England captain Jason Robinson announced "we're back" after guiding his side to a clinical victory over South Africa at Twickenham. The World Cup winners downed the Tri-Nations champions courtesy of 27 points from Charlie Hodgson.
"The last 12 months have disappointed us but this proved we're back on the scene in a big way," said Robinson.
"I asked the boys for a big effort and we didn't disappoint. It was a good, strong, professional performance."
England finished only third in the 2004 Six Nations after defeats to Ireland and France before losing to Australia and New Zealand (twice) on their summer tour.
But victory against Canada last week in the first match under new coach Andy Robinson gave England a confidence boost before the consummate display against the Springboks.
"All week there was a lot of talk about how physical South Africa were going to be and we were determined to go out and not just match that but play even better and we did," added skipper Robinson.
"It was difficult conditions, the ball was slippy and there were lots of errors but we took our chances and came up with the points."
Hodgson scored the first of England's two tries along with two conversions, five penalties and a drop-goal after a woeful kicking performance against Canada.
"The better I can play for Sale and England, the more pressure I can put on selection," said Hodgson, playing in place of the injured Jonny Wilkinson.
"I proved quite a few people wrong. There were a few critics I think. I didn't really think there was anything to worry about. It was just an off day [against Canada] and I put it behind me."
England coach Robinson said he was delighted with his side's approach to the game.
"I'm pleased with how they have been preparing but also their attitude," said Robinson.
"The leadership of Jason Robinson has been magnificent. Martin Corry was tremendous, Danny Grewcock was superb and Steve Borthwick led the lineout. All across the board they've taken the ownership and put their hands up.
"For those players to take their opportunity was massive and credit to every single player on the pitch.
"The game is about a forward pack fronting up and they were superb. It's going to be tough again next week but I think they can lift their levels even more.
"I have to give credit to Phi Larder [defence coach]. The defence was superb but it was disappointing to concede a try."
And Robinson admitted Hodgson was going to give him a selection headache when Wilkinson is fit again.
"He's [Hodgson] playing brilliantly. He's taken his opportunities and that's all you can ask of a player," said Robinson, who refused to be drawn on whether the two fly-halves could fit into the same side.
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I proved quite a few people wrong 
