He’s honoured by comparisons to Adam Ashley-Cooper but utility ace Reece Hodge craves a return to the Wallabies starting line-up, and it could happen this Saturday night.
After being a regular in Australia’s starting XV since debuting in 2016, Hodge has come off the bench in the first three Bledisloe Cup clashes with the All Blacks.
But the 26-year-old looms as a serious option to replace either inside centre Irae Simone or winger Filipo Daugunu for this week’s final trans-Tasman Test of the year at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has conceded that Hodge’s versatility “probably” counted against him when considered for a starting role.
But with Rennie likely to add some much-needed experience to the backline in pursuit of a face-saving victory over the All Blacks, Hodge is a frontrunner for inclusion.
“The great thing about Reece is he covers the whole backline bar nine. So he gives us genuine versatility there,” Rennie said.
“He’s a big man, he’s got a very good kicking game. We’ve been really impressed with his ability to square up the attack.”
Hodge has started in 30 of his 41 Tests and proved with his near-60-metre shot that hit the upright in Wellington that he can also handle goalkicking duties.
“Obviously anyone in the whole squad here would love to be starting against the All Blacks. They’ve been the best team in the world for a number of years now,” he told AAP.
“In saying that, any time you get the chance to pull on a Wallabies jersey, whether it’s No.1 or No.23, you’d jump at it. It’s such a privilege to represent your family and everyone else in Australia in that jersey.
“I’m not going to sit here and lie and say I’m not going to push for a starting berth, like everyone else in the squad would.”
Having worn the numbers 15, 14, 13, 12, 11 and 10 for the Wallabies, it’s little wonder he’s become Australia’s Mr Fix It, a tag Ashley-Cooper wore for 121 Tests.
“It’s not the worst comparison,” he said.
“He’s obviously a 100-Test Wallaby, four World Cups and had a pretty impressive career and someone I definitely looked up to when I was coming through when I was younger.
“I definitely wouldn’t mind being compared to ‘Swoop’.”
Rennie will name his team on Thursday, with the match doubling as the second game of the Tri Nations tournament, meaning the Wallabies must win to retain any hope of landing some silverware in 2020.
Lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto remains in doubt with an ankle injury, with the Cadeyrn Neville drafted into Wallabies camp on Monday as cover.
Gepetto
Roar Rookie
Not from Australian spectators lately. I'm never flying with Qantas again if I can help it. Izzy's views are consistent with Fox's. How much does a sponsor need to pay to have selection veto rights?
JamieInBrisbane
Roar Rookie
You do know where the money comes from right? :laughing:
Gepetto
Roar Rookie
At the next postgame press conference the coach should say the Wallabies could have won but we didn't want to take a chance on upsetting our sponsors by selecting religious conservatives.
Olly
Roar Rookie
I like the backrow.
Olly
Roar Rookie
I agree with the complexity of the skills across the backrow. To me it does not look balanced at the moment and for a high work rate lineout option he is hard to go past.
Olly
Roar Rookie
Lol
Mike
Roar Rookie
Agreed about settling on a position for Hodge. AAC was exceptionally talented but being shifted around so much didn't help him give his best. He was a better player when used mainly at 13. I think Hodge has the making of a better 15 than given credit for, so give him a season to settle in there.
Mike
Roar Rookie
I don't think Lolesio was a disaster as some have written - he's a debutant for heavens sake. But also I don't think its accurate to say he hardly received the ball. He did get a fair bit of ball and mostly shuffled it along.
Mike
Roar Rookie
I would serously look at him. Back row selections mean a minimum of 4 in a match-day 23, and the mix of skills can be quite complex. Isa is a power unit.
JamieInBrisbane
Roar Rookie
So we can lose Asics and Land Rover and our dignity.
Gepetto
Roar Rookie
Simmo is a God to me...since 2011.
Olly
Roar Rookie
You mean Tupou (our best scrummaging prop by a mile) was crushing the AB scrum. It is not Fake or new news. Simmons is a lineout specialist lock, not a scrum specialist.
Gepetto
Roar Rookie
I have heard that fake news before. Simmons and Tupou were crushing the AB scrum on their side of the pack. Tiring Slipper and then Sio struggled late in the game.
Buk
Roar Rookie
I also think Hodge at 15 is his best position, and especially on a wet day, alternate him at first receiver to take advantage of his punt. But there are still the general problems, as a whole team, of: 1. defensive lapses 2. confidence/organisation in various parts of the game 3. needing to dominate the game for sustained periods Its hard to suddenly develop those things in the space of one or two games
Buk
Roar Rookie
Yes Hodge's big asset is his boot, both punting and goal kicking. But he is also a good, hard running back with an element of size/strength, and good on defence. He's also a charge-down danger to opposing sides if you put him closer to the scrum. Personally I would prefer him as a starter at fullback, and have him as an alternative first receiver on defence. Its a bit left field, but as fly half if it is a wet day, as I think he has the brains & nous for that position, as well as his punt; however I concede he has not played a lot of rugby there at the top level.
Short Arm
Roar Rookie
Agree jc, Hodge very average especially for an inside back, hasn't got a good pass on him at all. Just look at his slow loopey pass to Koroibete at the no try at the end of last the game. A faster pass would've seen MK have time to score.
Olly
Roar Rookie
I am also hoping Simone stays at 12. My gut says he will move Hodge to 13 and JP to the wing. 15 will be interesting, will he go with DHP, could be Hodge or Banks again. Personally I think DHP is to short of a run this year and would benefit from a pre season to get his body sorted.
Olly
Roar Rookie
Harrison should have been on the bench over Hunter. Hunter is to one dimension for the bench and the conditions was screaming for a kicking focused number 10.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Nice curmudgeoning there Moa
xtreme fan
Guest
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