CHARLIE Hodgson accepts the comparisons with Jonny Wilkinson are inevitable but the England fly-half is determined to prove to Australia he is a world-class performer in his own right this weekend.

After a disappointing defensive performance against New Zealand in the first Test, Sale outside-half Hodgson bounced back in Auckland and is now desperate to produce a match-winning display against the Wallabies on Saturday, just as Wilkinson did seven months ago.

"People might think it is a bit stupid of me thinking I can become the number one fly-half because Jonny's ahead of me," said Hodgson.

"But you have to have those aspirations. There would be no point in me standing here if I didn't have those dreams. People want you to do the same job as him and whether you can is another thing. It is an aim of mine to do the best I can and come away with a win on Saturday."

Disappointment

Wilkinson is revered Down Under like few other English sportsmen and after his heroics in the World Cup final, there is a definite sense of disappointment in Australia that the drop-goal king is not fit for Saturday's rematch.

England coach Sir Clive Woodward yesterday again mooted that he could end up playing Hodgson alongside Wilkinson, just as he did in the 2003 Six Nations before injury once again stunted his international growth.

Although Hodgson's return to the Test scene was not without its pain in the first Test defeat to New Zealand, Woodward is certain he will grow into a better player from the experience.

"Charlie is stepping into some huge shoes," said Woodward. "It's not pressure. They've got to try to become better players. That's got to be their attitude."