WILKINSON v HODGSON 25------------Age-------------24 Newcastle---Club-----------Sale 52---------Test caps---------11 817----------Points-----------79 106--------Club apps---------61 1,194--------Points----------757

With Wilkinson ruled out because of a knee injury, Charlie Hodgson is set to start for England in the Six Nations opener against Wales in Cardiff.

And Davies said: "Jonny's been unlucky with injury and has not been at his best when he has been playing.

"With Charlie Hodgson you get more of an attacking threat than Jonny."

Hodgson staked his claim to be England's first choice fly-half with impressive displays in the autumn internationals.

He produced a near faultless display against South Africa, scoring a try and adding 22 points with his boot.

His confidence took a hefty knock a week later, though, when he missed two kicks which would have guaranteed victory over Australia.

Wilkinson has not played for England since their World Cup triumph in 2003, and Ruddock said he intended to target the Newcastle player if he had been fit enough to play in Cardiff on 5 February.

Charlie is playing extremely well and opposition teams will be very wary of him Former Wales fly-half Jonathan Davies

"If Jonny had come back as captain at outside-half with a new centre combination outside him, it could have been a disadvantage for England," explained Ruddock.

"As great a player as Jonny is, it would have been a big ask, even for him, bearing in mind he hasn't played much rugby this past 15 months.

"In some ways it might have been a better return for us if Jonny was playing and we could have put him under pressure early on."

Davies, among the best fly-halves ever to play international rugby, says he can see the logic behind Ruddock's thinking.

The Welshman said: "It's a big call from Mike but I can see where he's coming from.

"Jonny is a player who guarantees control and influence, kicks his goals and is very strong defensively.

"Charlie is playing extremely well and opposition teams will be very wary of him because he's got great awareness, can put other players in space and is a great passer.

"So Mike is right in what he's saying at the moment.

"But when Jonny gets back and if he plays to his full potential, it will be a different matter."