Wallabies debutant Rodda has a Thorn in his side
Rookie lock Izack Rodda has praised former All Blacks hard man Brad Thorn for teaching him the brutal basics of forward play and helping him win a starting role for the Wallabies.
Rodda, 21, will make his run-on debut for Australia tomorrow morning (AEST) against the Springboks in Bloemfontein, having previously played just two Tests off the bench.
The 120kg, 2.02m lock, who debuted for Queensland this season, admitted he was surprised at the pace he had been promoted in the Wallabies’ squad this year – let alone winning a starting spot.
“It was a massive surprise since the first round (of Super Rugby),” Rodda said.
“I wasn’t even expecting to get my debut against the Sharks in round one and it all just sort of went from there and I’ve just been so stoked about how I’ve been going and just loving every minute of it.”
Rodda and fellow Wallaby rookie Lukhan Tui have had a fair mentor showing them the ropes at Queensland on second-row play.
World Cup-winning dual international Thorn has been on staff at the QRU for the past two years, running the Reds under-20s and assisting as a Super Rugby forwards coach.
Thorn is thought of so highly in Queensland, he is being lined up to become head coach for next year.
“I’ve had a lot to do with him through the season,” Rodda said. “He’s been a coach at the Reds and he’s just a great influence, very helpful because he’s one of the best to play the position and he’s just really knowledgeable.
“It’s just great to sink in all the knowledge off him.”
The main message? “Definitely physicality. He prides the game of physicality,” Rodda said.
The Bloemfontein Test won’t be for shrinking violets, with the Boks stinging after their 57-0 loss to New Zealand.
“Obviously everyone knows they’re going to come back strong and hard after that game,” Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said.
“Retribution will be in the air, no doubt, and we just happen to be the next team in line.”