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Tuesday, 13 November, 2001, 17:34 GMT
Living the dream
Charlie Hodgson partners Austin Healey at half-back
Charlie Hodgson partners Austin Healey at half-back
New England fly-half Charlie Hodgson talks to BBC Sport Online's Jonathon Moore about achieving his boyhood dream - wearing an England jersey.

When Charlie Hodgson runs out at Twickenham to take part in what will likely be a record romp over the Romanians, the first question on the mind of many fans will surely be: 'Charlie who?'

And not without reason.

Less than one year ago, Hodgson was still playing for Durham University, before Sale spotted his potential and brought him into the club as understudy to Fijian international Nicky Little.

But the 21-year-old's time on the bench did not last long.


It's important for me to stay focussed
Charlie Hodgson
He made his club debut as a replacement against French side Auch in the Parker Pen Shield in October 2000 and thereafter made the No.10 shirt his own.

"I've been playing for Sale since the middle of last season," he told BBC Sport Online.

"But like every player I'm itching to get my full England cap."

Despite his excitement, Hodgson is confident he will be able to defeat his nerves.

"It's every boy's dream to play for England," he said.

"But international rugby is all about keeping cool, so it's important for me to stay focussed."

In eight Premiership appearances for Sale this season, Hodgson has scored 105 points, evidence enough of his prowess in the position.

And Sale coach Jim Mallinder is in no doubt of his ability.

"He's a running fly-half who likes to play a wide game," he said.

"And though he won't admit it, he's pretty good with his boots too."

Saracens misery

Hodgson sat on the bench for England's mighty victory over Australia on Saturday, before coming down to earth with a bang against Saracens on Sunday.

He missed four out of six kicks at goal and had a kick charged down for a try by Tim Horan.


Sale have given me the opportunity and fortunately I've taken it
Charlie Hodgson
"I didn't play well," Hodgson admitted. "But everyone has off days.

"It wasn't easy returning so quickly after the England game. But that's no excuse really.

"I just have to make sure I make up for it on Saturday."

Hodgson is keen to repay Sale and England with a superb performance
Hodgson is keen to repay Sale and England with a superb performance
Hodgson is highly-rated by England manager Clive Woodward, who described his performace against Wasps earlier this season, as "one of the best performances I've seen from an Englishman at number 10 for a long, long time."

Indeed, Hodgson is keen to pay back the faith that Woodward has shown in him.

But he is equally keen to praise Sale and the set-up that has allowed him to thrive.

"Sale have given me the opportunity and fortunately I've taken it," he said.

"They like to get the U-21 squad involved in senior training sessions - and that's good - because it helps when you make the step-up.

"This Saturday is a huge day for me and I'm keen to focus and listen to every piece of advice the others can give me.

"I'd like to think this is the start of a new adventure for me and I want to impress in front of the fans."

See also:

13 Nov 01 |  Rugby Union
Hodgson confident of success
13 Nov 01 |  Rugby Union
England ring the changes
10 Nov 01 |  Rugby Union
Clinical Wilkinson sinks Aussies
Links to more Rugby Union stories are at the foot of the page.

 

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