Wallabies fullback Reece Hodge looked in significant pain as pectoral injury forced him off against Japan on Saturday and put the rest of his Spring Tour campaign in doubt.
It will be desperately painful blow if Hodge can’t go on, having only just secured a starting spot in the Wallabies line up after the injury earlier this campaign to Tom Banks.
A Wallabies spokesman told The Roar that Hodge had suffered a pec injury and would require scans after the game.
Coach Dave Rennie confirmed the injury, and said Hodge would travel with the team to Europe while being assessed.
Andrew Kellaway, who has scored eight tries in a break out season on the wing, replaced Hodge at No.15 and shapes as the likely replacement if Hodge has to return home before games against Scotland, England and Wales.
James O’Connor is another option and with, coach Dave Rennie having little hesitancy in bringing back veterans from the wilderness, there are likely to be links to Kurtley Beale.
Beale, 32, was at fullback against England for the 2019 World Cup quarter-final exit and is playing for Racing 92 in France.
Jordie Petaia replaced Hodge and moved to the right wing where Kellaway has been so prolific, helping himself to a try.
Japan took control after Hodge’s departure and scored a try through Lomano Lemeki, who dived over on the left after a cross field kick.
Both teams promised a game of running rugby and it was a bright start from the Wallabies with Tom Wright running onto a short pass from Quade Cooper for the opening try in the seventh minute.
A few phases earlier Cooper had served up a delicious no look inside pass.
Former Wallabies player Morgan Turinui, speaking on the Stan coverage, said Cooper was showing more expansiveness in his game after controlled performances against South Africa and Argentina.
“We had the balance, the pragmatism, now we’re seeing that aspect we’ve seen for so long and appreciated,” said Turinui, while his co-caller Sean Maloney declared it was “vintage QC”.
Australia were under pressure throughout, with Cooper throwing an intercept to concede a try but debutant Connal McInerney scored a memorable winning try minutes from the end
“It was a really competitive game,” said captain Michael Hooper. “We expected Japan to play expansve rugby and they tested us on that.
“It was a high-paced game, a lot of movement and tackles to be made.”
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Agree. The author didn’t write that mouthful because it rolls off the tongue. The intent is obvious.
Bodger
Roar Rookie
It’s not triggering but disrespectful to the players you want to label. They’re playing for Japan, they’re Japanese players. Goes for all countries and players! You want to start labelling them by their colour, sexual preference?
Tony Harper
Editor
From a English born Queenslander who has lived in NSW for 24 years and once went to Kiev for the worst wedding ever, I don't really understand why this is so triggering, but out of respect have edited it out.
Bodger
Roar Rookie
Yeah agree, enough of this nonsense. From a Aussie born, Scottish, English, Irish bloke working and living in northern Scotland. Bloody immigrants. :-)
Terry Tavita
Roar Pro
'..Lomano Lemeki, a New Zealand born Tongan Japanese player.'?..give it a break mate..he's been living in japan for 12 years and has a japanese missus and kids..has repped japan since 2016..