Hodge wins race to the fullback jumper
WALLABIES fullback Reece Hodge has declared his mishaps under the high ball last week were against the grain ahead of his return to the starting side.
The versatile ‘ Mr Fix It’ of the Australian squad will assume the number 15 jumper in Townsville on Saturday, replacing the injured Tom Banks who is now expected to miss the Spring Tour.
James O’connor was believed to be in contention for the fullback role, however he instead will play his first Test of 2021 off the bench against Argentina.
Despite the Wallabies’ 30-17 triumph over South Africa last week, the Australian back three struggled under the high balls put up by Springboks fly-half Faf de
Klerk, with Hodge looking shaky at times when he first came on the field.
But the 27-year-old said it was not an issue he felt would impact his performance at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Rather he said it would serve as a reminder that last week’s lapses were an anomaly.
“I was very disappointed with my start last week and it was a bit unlike me,” Hodge said.
“In over 100 professional games I’ve never had those issues under the high ball.
“I take confidence out of that, and also the work I’ve done this week with the rest of the back three under the high ball.
“Last week I think Faf was quite good at putting those kicks on the money close to the touchline.
“It’s not an excuse, I guess I probably lost a bit of confidence after the first couple so I guess for me it’s about trusting I have the skills to get up there. I’m confident coming into Saturday I’m going to be fine.”
While there is now an opportunity for Hodge to impress Wallabies coach Dave Rennie as the side’s go-to fullback, it comes as bittersweet solace given what Banks has endured.
The Brumbies number 15’s fractured arm is now expected to sideline him for up to 10 weeks, rubbing him out of next months Spring Tour to Japan and Europe.
“It’s awesome to be able to get another starting berth, they’ve kind of been few and far between the last couple of years,” Hodge said.
“I’m obviously shattered for Banksy, he’s a good mate of mine and it was pretty tough seeing him, especially back at the hotel after the game in a cast.
“But he’s doing well, he’s out of hospital now, and I guess it’s now an opportunity for myself to put my hand up in the 15 jersey.”
Rennie’s only other change to the side who defeated the world champions in Brisbane is in his forward pack, with Rob Leota called up for his starting debut at the expense of Lachlan Swinton.
Rennie backed Hodge and his wingers – Marika Koroibete and Andrew Kellaway – to address the concerns under high kicks that were unearthed last week.
As for the returning O’connor, the coach said they had always planned to reintroduce him off the interchange and Hodge would likely get an extended crack at the role long-term.
“Hodgy put down a couple of high balls, but outside of that he was excellent. His kicking was great, his defence was really strong,” Rennie said.
“He’s a guy who has filled a lot of holes for us and he’s really keen to try and establish himself somewhere and 15 is his favourite spot.
“We thought it was important to bring James into the game late, there’s no doubt we think he can play 15 (but) he won’t give us the wheels of other guys from the back.
“We’ll just see how things pan out over the next few weeks, but I’m really happy with our selection around Reece.”