DON’T THREATEN US
NZ’s bluster dismissed by Cheika
RUGBY UNION: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has backed rookie centre Reece Hodge to brush off a warning from the All Blacks that they will target him in defence.
After all, Hodge cops far worse from his sledging teammates at training and in the sheds.
The 23-year-old Rebels utility has already played 27 Tests, but tomorrow night’s Bledisloe Cup opener in Sydney will be his first in the No.13 jersey.
Outside centre is rated as rugby’s most difficult position to defend and All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster has said his men will look to test Hodge’s decision-making in that area following the injuries to midfield specialists Samu Kerevi and Tevita Kuridrani.
But Cheika pointed out the versatile Hodge had a knack of meeting whatever task he was set, while also having a little fun at his young charge’s expense.
“Reece usually handles everything pretty well – he’s sledging pretty hard all the time,” Cheika said after also naming Jack Maddocks on the bench for a potential Test debut.
“The boys give it to him nonstop about taking his shirt off all the time and showing it. So he deals with it all the time.
“Everything’s a threat in this game – targeting this guy or that guy – everyone’s a target on both teams.
“I’m sure they’ll target him and I’m sure Reece will be ready, along with his teammates either side of him.”
New Zealand will also be watching their discipline as Hodge can slot penalties from halfway and beyond.
Rebels flyer Maddocks, a former first-grade cricketer for Sydney University, won the battle with Brumbies fullback Tom Banks for the final bench spot.
The 21-year-old will cover fullback and wing after a breakout Super Rugby campaign.
“The time is right,” Cheika said. “He can cover multiple positions, which probably got him the edge over Banks.
“He’s just a footballer. He can sniff out a break, he’s a great support player – some of the old-fashioned skills, maybe, that aren’t coached as much these days around support play and getting another touch.”
Waratahs prop Tom Robertson will start his third Test at loose-head prop, with Scott Sio out due to a shoulder injury.
Robertson, 23, will pack down with Sekope Kepu and Tatafu Polota-Nau, the 82-Test veteran who has returned from club duties with Leicester.
In other key selection calls, Cheika opted for three backs on the bench and included experienced playmaker Matt Toomua, who became available again after signing with the Rebels for 2019.
Crusaders champion Pete Samu won the loose forward bench spot ahead of Ned Hanigan, while Lukhan Tui is retained at blindside flanker next to captain Michael Hooper and makeshift No.8 David Pocock.
Allan Alaalatoa has been promoted to the bench to cover the loose-head position.