Matt Philip is backing his “rugby nerd” teammate Reece Hodge to again deliver in the Wallabies No. 10 jersey with another injury ruling James O’Connor out of Saturday’s Tri Nations clash with Argentina in Newcastle.
Hodge stood in for O’Connor in the Wallabies last outing in Brisbane, helping notch a morale-boosting 24-22 win over the All Blacks.
With O’Connor adding a foot injury to his knee issue, Hodge is again set to step in as the Wallabies take on the pumped-up Pumas, who are coming off their first ever victory over New Zealand.
Lock Philip said he wasn’t surprised by utility back Hodge’s performance against the All Blacks despite it being just his second Test start at five-eighth.
“Hodgey is probably the most professional bloke I know,” Phillip told RSN on Wednesday.
“He’s always spending time on the laptop, he’s a bit of a nerd, watching footage, making sure he knows everything.
“I’ve been very impressed with how he stepped up last week and slotted into the role like he’s been doing it for ages and I think he’s going to get the job done for us this week.”
Hodge will again be partnered by halfback Nic White, who will make his return to McDonald Jones Stadium for the first time since he was a ten-year-old playing at halftime in a rugby league match.
White was born in nearby Scone and then moved down the road to Maitland, so expected a large group of friends and family at this weekend’s game.
The veteran No. 9 said the Wallabies were determined to show consistency, after they failed to back up their draw against the All Blacks last month.
“We were pretty proud of our performance in Wellington but then we didn’t back it up,” White said.
“It took us a few weeks to bounce back from that and we got ourselves to a position where we were proud of our performance in Brisbane.
“We want to make sure we don’t fall into that trap of being happy with that.
“We don’t want to be tagged as a young, inexperienced side and we are putting together back to back wins.”
White said Argentina were “bloody good” in their 25-15 victory over the All Blacks and felt the Wallabies would have to be at the top of their game to win.
He also said the Wallabies needed to match the Pumas’ passion, but play smart and keep their emotions in check.
The Pumas have former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika in their coaching box, which White applauded.
“Cheik is one of their personalities in rugby – it would just be a real shame if he wasn’t around,” he said.
“I’m stoked as a rugby lover that he’s in the game.
“He’s a great bloke, a smart operator and it would be a real loss if he wasn’t involved in some team.
numpty
Roar Rookie
Playing off the 9 is fine, it was the lack of variety that got them. White needs to snipe, use the blind etc and when he hits his forward pod they need to be willing to offload, tip on passes and so on. No doubt there will be alot of box kicks, but I wouldn't mind some little end over end chip kicks from white too, early on in particular.
Crusher_13
Roar Rookie
That may be true, but he is down the pecking order because of results. He was one part on debut of a result. Was it his fault? People more at fault are still in the team or match day 23. As someone else has pointed out, Paisami looks good when he makes a tackle, but he misses as many as he makes. Not everyone has a dream debut (Matt Giteau from memory did an atrocious midfield bomb with his first touch in a lose to England), but being discarded after being one of the best and most consistent backs in SRAU seems strange.
jameswm
Roar Guru
He proved he can play it ok. He's no long term 10. But he could be a decent option at 12 and playing 10 won't hurt that.
jameswm
Roar Guru
A bit hard to replace Paisami after a win against the ABs. Frankly Simone is right down the pecking order at 12 - I'd say To'mua, Paisami and Hodge all ahead of him.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Phillip Hodge White. Somehow I think there are three key players there. I have no prediction about this game, but as a minimum I expect (hope) that the WB ‘core’ solidifies. I’m not hearing any silly talk (thought) from the squad which is encouraging.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
Hodge proved he has the ability to play 10 in his last outing. Now he has to prove he can be consistent in that position which calls for a lot of smarts, a cool head and guts. This has the potential to be the game of the championship. Let's hope both teams turn up ready for it. Go the Wallabies!!!!
Crusher_13
Roar Rookie
I'd like to see Simone get another run. One and done after B3 where the forwards were smashed and no one played well really isn't right. I don't think Paisami offers enough with ball in hand, Simone will offer a passing and kicking game at 12.
Bodger
Roar Rookie
The ABs played mainly off Smith last week and got a bit of a hammering in the forwards because of it. Wallabies also played a lot off 9 the last game against the ABs, we will need to ensure Hodge and Paisami are serious options behind our forward pods otherwise the Argies forwards will smash the forwards like they did against the ABs. A lot of variety by White, Hodge and Paisami is going to be critical on Saturday. Hodge I think is very good at executing the game plan so happy he is playing on Saturday. I think the lads will be really up for this game and think our backs will be the difference and will put the Argies backs under a lot of pressure.
Bentnuc
Roar Pro
Rooting for Hodge again. Must say didnt think the decision was great to play him in 10 in Brissie but very glad to be wrong! It really fills me with confidence to hear Philip say that Hodge is always researching the game. That is the type of player you need in 10. Should be a great match!!!