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Eddie Jones has returned to a familiar theme, naming Reece Hodge as a second playmaker at inside centre for the Wallabies’ first-up assignment against the Springboks at Pretoria.
The announcement confirms The Roar’s report on Wednesday, which revealed giant prop Taniela Tupou would miss the Test and Zane Nonggorr would debut off the bench as one of four debutants.
Brumbies forward Tom Hooper, Toulouse-based lock Richie Arnold and Rebels playmaker Carter Gordon are the other three debutants.
Suliasi Vunivalu will make his starting debut, having been named on the right-wing.
The former NRL star’s selection will bemuse many fans but Jones clearly sees great potential in the winger, who was only used for a minute by Dave Rennie.
“I’ve seen him develop some really good habits in Super Rugby and when he’s come in and trained with us for the last two or three weeks, every session he’s got a little bit better,” Jones told a media conference on Thursday.
“He’s an exceptional player, strong in the air, big guy, got good pace. I’ve got no doubt he’s going to do a good job for us on Saturday.”
James Slipper said he expects to play despite suffering a knee injury at training earlier in the week.
“It’s been a challenging week,” Slipper said.
“I had a bit of a mishap on Tuesday but I get to run today, make sure it’s all good, but I’m pretty confident I’ll be fine.”
Blake Schoupp was been rushed to South Africa as a precaution.
As anticipated, Jones has named Quade Cooper in the No.10 jersey in an experienced combination alongside Nic White.
But there must still be fears around Cooper, who has played less than a handful of matches since his devastating Achilles injury suffered against Argentina last August.
Reece Hodge and Carter Gordon. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Hooper has also made an impression on Jones.
“Added his knowledge and particularly watching him work with Carter who’s continuously impressed as well,” the coach said.
Will Skelton has also been named to start in a well-balanced back-row alongside Nick Frost while Arnold will come off the bench.
The decision to start Hodge at inside centre is a curious one, particularly with world class midfielder Samu Kerevi included on the bench.
Kerevi suffered a hamstring injury during the Barbarians’ win over Steve Hansen’s World XV on May 28 at Twickenham.
Jones said Kerevi “only started full training last Thursday before he left – so there’s a little bit more he needs to do to be ready to start.
“But certainly he’ll make a massive contribution off the bench for us.”
Right throughout his international coaching career Jones has preferred having two playmakers.
Elton Flatley started alongside Stephen Larkham in the 2003 World Cup final, Berrick Barnes and Cooper lined up regularly in 2007 at the Reds while Jones often turned to a second playmaker inside Owen Farrell during his seven-year stint at England.
In fact, the decision to persist with Marcus Smith inside Farrell was one of the selection decisions that saw the heat turned up on Jones as the attack struggled to gel.
Hodge isn’t a traditional playmaker.
Reece Hodge. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
While his preferred position has always been in the No.10 jersey and he’s started in the jersey on several occasions, including during their Bledisloe victory in 2020, Hodge’s huge boot and impeccable attitude have seen Jones turn to him where the air is at its thinnest in South Africa at altitude.
Interestingly, Hodge started at inside centre against Wales during Dave Rennie’s last match in charge. Before then, the Wallabies regime didn’t believe he was a centre.
The French-bound utility back, who has 62 Tests of experience to call on, will likely shift to fullback if any changes in the back three are necessary given Kerevi is the midfield cover.
Rebels rake Jordan Uelese, who was left out by Rennie in 2022, has been given an important opportunity he must take as a “finisher”.
Uelese, capped 15 times since making a remarkable debut under Michael Cheika in 2017, has the physique that appeals to Jones. But his throwing and work-rate have left many frustrated over the years.
Brumbies utility Pete Samu covers the back-row, while Tate McDermott’s pace has seen him selected ahead of Ryan Lonergan.
Co-captain Michael Hooper reflected on what the four newcomers had brought to the squad.
“What they’re bringing is a ton of energy, ton of energy from the day they walked in and through the time they’ve been selected, it seems to have gone up a notch,” said Hooper.
“We’re away from home here and we want to rip in and having guys like that in the squad is right where we want to be.”
It will be an intriguing return for Jones to Loftus Versfeld where his Queensland lost 92-3 to the Bulls in 2007. He returned soon after as South Africa’s assistant coach to Jake White.
“Oh, I remember every trip to Pretoria. I can remember sitting on an Esky there mate,” Jones laughed when reminded of the game by South African media.
“And I also remember the first team meeting I had with the Springboks in 2007.
“Jake asked me to get up and talk to the boys and as I got up, Jean de Villiers played the Bulls song. So that was quite funny.”
Wallabies team
1. James Slipper (c) (127 Tests)
2. David Porecki (10 Tests)
3. Allan Alaalatoa (64 Tests)
4. Nick Frost (9 Tests)
5. Will Skelton (24 Tests)
6. Tom Hooper*
7. Michael Hooper (c) (124 Tests)
8. Rob Valetini (30 Tests)
9. Nic White (59 Tests)
10. Quade Cooper (76 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (51 Tests)
12. Reece Hodge (62 Tests)
13. Len Ikitau (26 Tests)
14. Suliasi Vunivalu (1 Test)
15. Tom Wright (23 Tests)
Replacements
16. Jordan Uelese (15 Tests)
17. Matt Gibbon (5 Tests)
18. Zane Nonggorr*
19. Richie Arnold*
20. Pete Samu (32 Tests)
21. Tate McDermott (21 Tests)
22. Samu Kerevi (41 Tests)
23. Carter Gordon*
*denotes uncapped
South Africa Team
1. Ox Nche
2. Bongi Mbonambi
3. Frans Malherbe
4. Jean Kleyn
5. Marvin Orie.
6. Marco van Staden
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit
8. Dunae Vermeulen
9. Cobus Reinach
10. Manie Libbok
11. Kurt-Lee Arendse
12. Andre Esterhuizen
13. Lukhanyo Am
14. Canan Moodie
15. Willie le Roux
Replacements:
16. Joseph Dweba
17. Thomas du Toit
18. Vincent Koch
19. RG Snyman
20. Evan Roos
21. Deon Fourie
22. Grant Williams
23. Damian Willemse
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.