Melbourne will be without Reece Hodge for the remainder of the Super Rugby AU season after the Wallabies utility suffered a knee injury last round.
Utility back Hodge is expected to be out of action for about 10 weeks but hopes to be available for Australia’s three-Test series against France in July.
He suffered an MCL injury in a tackle by Western Force flanker Tim Anstee while making his unsuccessful field goal attempt in Friday night’s loss to the Force.
The Rebels blew a golden chance to lock in a top-three – finals – berth when the Force scored a late try to snatch a 16-15 win.
They are now just one point clear of the Force and in a desperate battle for the remaining finals spot, with the Reds and Brumbies already qualified.
They take on the unbeaten Reds at AAMI Park, before a final-round clash with the NSW Waratahs in Sydney.
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
He might be fit but there's a growing list of alternatives. There's better/younger newbies at 12, 13, and wing. And even the useful old head roles are filled by White, O'Connor, Toomua, even Korobiete. Poor guy has now added to his clutch kick failures. Don't get me wrong, I rate Hodge and he could have made a decent FB if given a decent run at the role.
Sheikh
Roar Rookie
So you're ignoring the fact that the man who blocked that kick for touch (Rebels prop 18) was well offside and not even trying to retire then?
Tommy
Guest
Unfortunate for Hodgey but this will make Rennies job easier for the tests agaisnt France as Reece is not really a test starter.A reserve at best.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Yes Campbell has had many more good games than Maddocks over the last 2 years. And Campbell has combinations with Reds team mates in the WBs. Would be nuts to prefer Maddocks.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
:laughing:
Cheika_Mate
Roar Rookie
A crazy way to get injured. Shame his had a pretty good season at 12 then 15 which I think is his best position. Just a good team man doesn’t complain.
James GC
Roar Rookie
His tackle on Samu aside, his defence doesn't seem up to standard.
James GC
Roar Rookie
Is there no rule about protecting the planted leg of a kicker?
James GC
Roar Rookie
Maybe whoever has been working with Petaia's mental strength should help with Maddox next. Maddox without the yips is absolutely who I would want at 15 but he is playing so poorly this year can't catch a high ball to save himself.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Responsibility is on the person trying the charge down.
James GC
Roar Rookie
Adam Ashley-Cooper made a fine and in the end extended Wallaby career from being a utility. Hodge will be around for awhile yet.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Ramm could cover fullback. He’s a good player though has the dropsies a bit earlier in the season.
James GC
Roar Rookie
Reds only have the Force match left in the regular season have already played the Tahs twice.
jameswm
Roar Guru
How was that not a penalty? Maybe it’s the NBA watching.
Bentnuc
Roar Pro
Good points capping Vunivalu would be an insult to all the other form wingers on the comp. League converts should play some club footie to get a hang of the game first
Tree Son
Roar Rookie
He’s in the swinging MLR! I believe playing for the new Los Angeles team
tsuru
Roar Rookie
I dunno, Hika. I reckon if this had happened mid match Anstee could have been in trouble for a late, no arms tackle and possibly a yellow card.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
I would call his kick for touch on full time a foot wrong :laughing:
Mungbean74
Roar Rookie
I hope Hodge gets back for the France series. Maybe this is Thorn’s chance to try Petaia at 15 against the Waratahs.
Mungbean74
Roar Rookie
Really? Didn’t they say he could be back for the France series? I think he deserves a spot of he’s fit.