Hodgson eager to seize chance

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There were dark times when Hodgson felt he might be stranded on 29 caps after wrecking his knee ligaments for a second time against South Africa in November 2006 - but with both Danny Cipriani and Jonny Wilkinson out injured, the Sale fly-half is back in the director's chair for the clash with New Zealand at Eden Park.

"I did think, particularly when I was injured, whether I would get another opportunity," Hodgson said. "But I never gave up hope and believed that one day it would happen again."

Four years ago, when England were last in New Zealand, Hodgson was overwhelmed as the All Blacks romped to 36-3 and 36-12 victories.

But he feels far more equipped to deal with the challenges of Test rugby away in New Zealand, particularly after a successful Lions tour in 2005.

Hodgson did not appear in the Test matches but was a regular in the unbeaten midweek team and impressed All Blacks coach Graham Henry.

Hodgson said: "I draw on the experiences like 2004 and, like everyone says, you learn more from the bad ones.

"Yes, perhaps I am more experienced and more relaxed about the way things are. The fortunate thing about rugby is you get the chance to put things right.

"It is great to hear comments (like those from Henry). This is a different time of my career but hopefully I can repeat those performances of 2005."