Chiefs all but extinguish Force’s finals hopes in record Tron trouncing, injury concerns for Dmac
The Chiefs have moved up the Super Rugby ladder and all but secured their inclusion in finals, putting on a commanding display to dispatch…
Western Force skipper Matt Hodgson says he’s fit and raring to jump into pre-season games as preparations for the Super Rugby campaign ramp up.
Hodgson missed the first nine games of 2015 after tearing his hamstring during a pre-season match.
The lengthy stint on the sidelines also cost him the chance to push for a World Cup call-up.
But the 34-year-old is feeling fit as he prepares for his 11th Super Rugby season.
“When I first started it was black and white TV,” Hodgson joked on Monday.
“A lot of things have changed over time but I’m enjoying it. If I didn’t enjoy it, I wouldn’t still be doing it.
“I’m a bit over training now, so ready to start playing some footy.”
The Force will get their first taste of action in 2016 when they take on the Hurricanes in a trial match at Central Coast Stadium on February 3.
The Hurricanes finished runner-up last season, while the Force finished dead last.
The Force are keen to play a more attacking brand of rugby in 2016 and Hodgson said coming up against the Hurricanes would give his side a good indication of where they need to improve.
“Although the Hurricanes didn’t win it last year, they were probably the best team throughout the whole competition,” Hodgson said.
“They probably play a similar style of rugby we’re trying to play. So learning that and getting timings against them is good.”
Hodgson said the Force would probably play about 28 players against the Hurricanes to help the coaching staff figure out the best combinations.
The Force’s season proper begins on February 27 when they host the Melbourne Rebels.
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