How does a 32-year-old earn a recall to the Wallabies after three years in the wilderness?
For Matt Hodgson, it took one hell of a battering.
Hodgson’s irresistible form at the breakdown this season and his Super Rugby-leading 179 tackles forced Ewen McKenzie to name him in his 32-man Wallabies squad on Thursday.
And the Western Force captain was joined in the squad by teammates Pek Cowan, Ben McCalman, Nick Cummins and Wallabies newcomer Nathan Charles as McKenzie recognised players behind their team’s impressive rise in 2014.
Hodgson gained the last of his six Test caps in 2011 and he admitted there were times he thought his international career might be over.
But after putting his body on the line all season – and frequently sporting the wounds to prove it – Hodgson is now a chance to don the Wallaby gold again during next month’s three-Test series against France.
“You always think it’s over once you play your last game,” Hodgson said.
“But every game I step out for the Force, there’s always a little bit of hope and you never say never.
“If I keep getting selected, it’s a bonus.
“You always want to play for your country.”
Cowan shapes as another feel-good story for the Force.
Like Hodgson, the 27-year-old has spent three years out of the Wallabies’ set-up.
But a chat with Force coach Michael Foley at the start of the year helped spark Cowan’s bid for a Wallabies recall, and his actions on the field did the rest.
“He definitely saw a few kinks in my armour in terms of a couple of technique things I wanted to work on,” Cowan said.
“It’s obviously paid dividends.
“As soon as you stop making the squad I guess you do start questioning yourself.
“But the hunger was still there, so the hope was still there.”
Hooker Charles, who is the only professional athlete with cystic fibrosis playing a contact sport, will have to beat out Tatafu Polota-Nau and Stephen Moore to make his Wallabies debut.
Blue Blood
Guest
Terry I fear you are right but it is a damn shame. He is THE form captain in the comp and is considered by those in the international media as the number one Super Rugby player full stop this year. It is only in Australia led by the east coast media that Hooper is considered preferable to Hodgson. I would love to see the Wallabies led by an experienced and respected competitor. Hooper may get his time to lead but he is wet behind the ears it would seem. That interview on the Rugby Club was embarrassing and showed his immaturity and also a level of arrogance creeping in that is distasteful. Don't get me started on our past captain Horwil. What a disappointment that man has become. Some thought he was a good captain in recent years. It is easy to be seen that way in a winning team. Now that the tide has turned he has been shown up as lacking class and composure. Hodgson has had ample opportunity to have a hissy fit like Horwil and has never come close. Hodgson has proven himself as a class act who has amazing skill and longevity. A captain is not always the first picked but he is picked for all the right reasons. Hodgson would make a fine captain and in my view the Wallabies would lose nothing having him starting over Hooper.
Hertryk
Guest
Matt Hodgson would make an awesome no nonsense Captain. Leads by example, and gets on with the job without drama, and theatricals! Passionate, honest, body on the line worker.. what more could anyone ask for???
Terry Kidd
Guest
All respect to Hodgson for his play, guts and leadership for the Force but he is bench warming and will only get a run on if Hooper is injured or the Wallabies are leading by 25 with 10 minutes to play.
Rodney
Guest
Matt Hodgson sholud be the Captain>>>>
Rodney
Guest
Matt Hodgson sholud be the Captain>>>>