New cap Maddocks set to make impact
SYDNEY: Jack Maddocks looms as the secondhalf gamebreaker to pilot the Wallabies to Bledisloe Cup glory after being handed a dream test debut against the All Blacks in Sydney.
As expected, coach Michael Cheika yesterday named Reece Hodge in the vacant centre position, Tatafu PolotaNau at hooker and parachuted Tom Robertson in to play tighthead prop after a shoulder complaint forced Scott Sio out of tomorrow night’s showdown at ANZ Stadium.
But it was Cheika’s inspired selection of 21yearold Maddocks on the bench that will give hope to Australian fans that 2018 could be the year to finally end New Zealand’s decadeandahalflong stranglehold on the Bledisloe Cup.
A brilliant ball runner, the former Australian under20s star has long been earmarked for international stardom.
Just ask Hodge, his Melbourne Rebels teammate.
‘‘Everyone knew he was going to be a Wallaby at some stage. It was more a matter of when,’’ Hodge said yesterday.
Cheika knew too, from the moment he first saw the backline ace, an eastern suburbs neighbour and graduate from Sydney’s Scots College who prefers fullback but is equally at home at centre, fiveeighth or on the wing.
‘‘He’s just a footballer,’’
Cheika said.
‘‘He can sniff out a break, he’s a great support player and has some of the oldfashioned skills maybe that aren’t as coached as much these days around support play.
‘‘He looks to get another touch, is able to read when he
needs to be in his position and when he can float off that.’’
Australia’s answer to New Zealand super sub Damian McKenzie, Cheika said he would have no hesitation throwing Maddocks into the Bledisloe pressurecooker early if injury hit the Wallabies.
‘‘The lad would not be in the team unless he warranted being in the team,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s a great opportunity for Maddocks to take his game to another level.’’
It will be Hodge’s first test start in the No 13 jumper, the classy utility having filled every position in Wallabies backline expect fullback and halfback.
PolotaNau earns his 83rd test cap after returning home from club duty in England to edge out former Waratahs teammate Tolu Latu for the No 2 jumper, while the inform Robertson will be starting for the first time against the world champion.
‘‘I used to watch the Bledisloe Cups as a kid and, to be actually starting in one, is a dream come true,’’ Robertson said. — AAP