Hodge tipped for Test centre
REECE Hodge is looming as the Wallabies go- to man to fill the vacant outside centre position for next weekend’s Bledisloe Cup opener at ANZ Stadium after Curtis Rona was cut from the squad.
The Wallabies are still keeping their cards close to their chest over who will start in the number 13 jersey, but the axing of Rona and the inclusion of Tom Banks and Jack Maddocks points to the versatile Hodge getting the job.
“There’s still a few guys in the squad who can play 13, so nothing’s finalised as of yet,” Hodge said.
“I guess getting a bit of time there at training over the past few weeks has made me a lot more confident within the environment – it’s just about doing those combinations obviously.”
Israel Folau has been touted as a possibility at outside centre, but Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has said he would prefer to keep him at fullback. Kurtley Beale says both could fill the void left by the injuries to Samu Kerevi and Tevita Kuridrani.
“Reece is obviously a very versatile player and I’m sure if given the opportunity he will step up and do a fine job,” Beale said.
“I’m pretty confident with whoever we put in that position – I know they will be pretty keen to get out there and express themselves and make sure they get the job done for the team.”
Banks and Maddocks were the only uncapped players to retain their places in the squad, which was cut from 36 to 28 after Rona, Folau Faingaa, Jermaine Ainsley, Rory Arnold, Caleb Timu, Billy Meakes, Jordan Petaia and Sefa Naivalu were sent back to their club sides.
A further five players will be released before the final match- day squad of 23 is announced on Thursday, leaving either Banks or Maddocks poised to make their Test debuts if the Wallabies pick three backs on the bench.
Hodge plays alongside Maddocks at the Rebels and says his teammate is ready for Test footy.
“He’s a special player. Everything he does, he does so naturally,” Hodge said.
“He’s always had the talent and loves taking his opportunities where he can, but just being able to realise when it’s on and when it’s not on and really try and play that kind of style that Test rugby calls for.”
Wallabies 28- man squad for Bledisloe Cup opener.
Allan Alaalatoa, Adam Coleman, Ned Hanigan, Michael Hooper ( c), Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, Brandon Paenga- Amosa, David Pocock, Tatafu Polota- Nau, Tom Robertson, Izack Rodda, Peter Samu, Rob Simmons, Scott Sio, Lukhan Tui, Taniela Tupou, Tom Banks, Kurtley Beale, Israel Fola, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Dane Haylett- Petty, Reece Hodge, Marika Koroibete, Jack Maddocks, Nick Phipps, Joe Powell, Matt Toomua.