Izack Rodda’s stop-start career at the Western Force is about to get the green light once again, with the experienced Wallaby set to make his return to Super Rugby.
The Roar understands the 27-year-old will come off the bench against the Crusaders on Saturday evening. Confirmation is expected on Wednesday afternoon, with Kurtley Beale a strong chance to make his return to Super Rugby via the bench too.
It will be the 2019 World Cup squad member’s first minutes of the year, having been a late withdrawal from their round one side with a quad injury.
Although it was hoped he would miss only around a month, Rodda ultimately missed the Force’s opening seven matches of the year.
Injured Wallaby Izack Rodda is likely to be looked closely at by new national coach Joe Schmidt. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
The injury continued a frustrating 18 months for the Wallabies lock, who has been troubled by consecutive foot injuries which cruelled his hopes of featuring in a second straight World Cup campaign. It led to him managing just 76 minutes on the field in 2023.
His absence has been felt at the Force, with Simon Cron forced to turn to all corners of the globe to shore up his second-row stocks.
Indeed, only last month Cron pounced on the services of Sam Carter from Leicester, while he previously lured over for New Zealand veteran Tom Franklin.
It’s not just experience Cron will be adding by being able to finally call on the services of Rodda but one of the best locks in Australia.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt will be tracking Rodda’s progress closely, with the second-row an area that Australian rugby is light on.
After all, last year Eddie Jones’ preferred starting second-row was Will Skelton and Richie Arnold.
But given both giants ply their trade in France, and Schmidt’s stated desire to look within rather than call up players from overseas, it’s likely the Wallabies will have a new look to their pack this year.
After managing just 76 minutes of action in 2023, Izack Rodda will run out for his first action of 2024 against the Crusaders. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Rodda very much fits the bill of a Schmidt lock, with the 202cm second-rower a ruck hitter and set-piece specialist.
He also has the necessary years of experience under his belt to be able to withstand the blows at the contact zone and not be pushed back.
Sitting last on five points after just one win from seven matches, the Force must beat the 11th-placed Crusaders to keep their knockout hopes alive.
“They’re a very strong side,” defence coach Will Eggleston told reporters on Tuesday. “People look at where they’re at on the competition ladder at the moment, but make no bones about it, we’re going to have to be at our best on Saturday.
“They’re not a team that’s coming in here that’s suddenly dropped off a cliff. There’s All Blacks littered through their side.
“If they’re not All Blacks, they’ve got a lot of Super Rugby caps within that group. We know it’s a great test and we can’t wait.”
Lichtfield
Roar Rookie
I like those options and also Uru (maybe an ideal bench player who can cover 4-5/6/8.
Lichtfield
Roar Rookie
I reckon you're pretty right. If he hasn't played for 2 years and he's 27 now he can't have more experience that a 25 year old and the last of those years was during COVID. He hasn't played a test since November 2021 - that's approaching three years that he has been absent from the international scene so you could round that back to 24 almost. Still, he was among our best in that position when he left. I just hope he can keep on the paddock and keep improving. He should have at least 6 or 7 very good years ahead of him if he stays fit and healthy.
Online Oracle
Roar Rookie
We can talk about both if you like, but you said "he" so i assumed you meant Rodda. Matt Philip Height 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in) Weight 117 kg (18 st 6 lb; 258 lb)
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Massively underselling him. He's played 70+ provincial games and 25 tests.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Keep dreaming the Saders being just a club team! They are a franchise within Aotearoa, that is known there as just above provincial level. Club level is usually where we we blood our emerging talent, to rise to the higher levels. In fact only a fool would take the p..s out of the Saders, as with many teams this year, they too, have had, & still have their injury problems. E.G. Taylor, Ennor, Williams, plus some others still out. Go the Saders!!!
Cec
Roar Rookie
Fingers crossed for IR, it’s been far too long off the field.
Wig1
Roar Rookie
While I'd like the force to win it won't be a walk in the park saders still look good on paper, may the force be with us !!
GusTee
Roar Pro
"get us off the bottom rung" ... But only if we don't persist in kicking possession away at every opportunity.
Tez
Roar Rookie
Go well please Izack and remain injury free. I was loving your play a few years ago. Lets see you bring it back. Good luck.
MrEflord
Roar Rookie
Matt Phillip. Isn’t that who we’re talking about?
PeterK
Roar Guru
He does have 25 tests which is more than most 23/24 year olds, and he did go very well in tests, he proved he could step up. Wallabies really need him, I hope he stays uninjured.
Mirt
Roar Rookie
Yes, the article says he has the experience to blah blah blah. At 27 he really only has the experience of a 23/24 year old, and one that was thrown in with the men when he was a boy. He went well before, but no one knows what he’ll be like if he lasts the season out. Good luck to him though,
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
LSL is my pick to be a good Wallaby. His Northampton experience will bear fruit come pointy end of season. He’s one of few Aussies to have won big stadium big games.
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
I'm happier for Rodda than the team. He's faced some demons and held strong. Will not make finals but a fitter roster will get us off the bottom rung.
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
:laughing:
El Gamba
Roar Guru
I’m a Force fan and like Rodda, but he’s been touted as the saviour of Australian rugby for 2 or 3 years without really playing a game
CUW
Roar Rookie
beating Crusaders these days is not such a high bar to aim at :silly: :silly: :silly: :silly: very much a club team than SUPER RUGGER CHAMPS !!! without a proper 10 no team can prosper :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
The Late News
Roar Rookie
No mate...
Olly
Roar Rookie
Feels like this is a copy-paste article these days. Jokes aside, really hope he can get past this period of his career.
ScottD
Roar Guru
Welcome back to Izack. That is good news indeed. I was thinking he wouldn't be back this year. The very few minutes I've see him play in Force colours over the last 2 years (whether in practice games or SR) he has been a standout - easily a class above those people around him. More importantly though I am just hoping his first run is brief, that he is eased into it and that he gets through it injury free.