I'm looking forward to hearing the first comment from the Aussies Charlie Hodgson

Hodgson endured a stream of abuse as he struggled with his kicking in last year's 21-19 loss to the Wallabies.

"The Aussies sledged me last year and I expect that again but I'm a lot stronger mentally," he said.

But Smith said: "It's a different year, different season. They're all mature players and will perform as such."

Hodgson admitted that jibes of "make sure you don't slip" and "you're going to miss it" had got under his skin during the Cook Cup defeat.

But 12 months on, with further impressive displays for Sale, England and the Lions under his belt, Hodgson is relishing the challenge of leading England to their first victory over Australia since the 2003 World Cup final.

Our focus is on shutting down their number 10, whether it be Hodgson or Wilkinson George Smith

"With everything that's happened over the last year or so I feel I'm thicker-skinned," said Hodgson, who has prospered in the absence of the injured Jonny Wilkinson.

"I think I can perform better under pressure. To be honest I'm looking forward to hearing the first comment from the Aussies.

"That sort of stuff does stick in your mind but it also makes you stronger and it just adds to the motivation that I can actually do it."

Smith, the dreadlocked flanker turned number eight, added: "Charlie Hodgson has played on the world stage before and will perform as a world-class player does.

"Our focus is on shutting down their number 10, whether it be Hodgson or [Jonny] Wilkinson."