The Wallabies Thread

[barbarian]

I'd like to see Hodge there. His kicking is a big asset as well.

 

[RoffsChoice]

I think we're more likely to see Folau at 13, DHP at fullback, and Hodge on the wing, than we are to see Hodge just slot in at 13.

 

[TSR]

Hodge is at risk of being shuffled around to the deferment of his overall development.

I don’t say that in opposition to his selection. I’d be quite happy to see him given a crack there. But if he is, and he does well, which I think he could, I hope he gets plays there for the Rebs next year. I think it is a much better fit for him then 10 in any case.

 

[Braveheart81]

Hodge is at risk of being shuffled around to the deferment of his overall development.

I don’t say that in opposition to his selection. I’d be quite happy to see him given a crack there. But if he is, and he does well, which I think he could, I hope he gets plays there for the Rebs next year. I think it is a much better fit for him then 10 in any case.

Hodge and Cheika have said that his role until after the 2019 RWC is as a utility player and then after that they will try and lock him into one position moving forward.

I think it is fair enough whilst he isn't commanding a starting spot in any position. It puts him in the 23 every time and is an asset to the Wallabies due to his versatility in being able to cover a lot of positions and allow us to play a 6:2 bench when required.

 

[Derpus]

Hodge and Cheika have said that his role until after the 2019 RWC is as a utility player and then after that they will try and lock him into one position moving forward.

I think it is fair enough whilst he isn't commanding a starting spot in any position. It puts him in the 23 every time and is an asset to the Wallabies due to his versatility in being able to cover a lot of positions and allow us to play a 6:2 bench when required.

He will want to choose and stick eventually. Otherwise he'll a) never start and b) eventually get forced out by better specialists.

He doens't seem to have the raw pace to be an out and out winger. He could be a wing/fullback DHP type, but then we have DHP. His best bet is in the centres, probably as an inside. Beale probably won't be that far ahead of him by 2020 if at all.

 

[Up the Guts]

Hodge would do alright, he has always stepped it up, particularly defensively, at Wallaby level before. I would be more worried about what it does to our attack shape, we’re used to having Kerevi or Kurindrani to truck it up on an unders line when needed, I’m not sure Hodge or Rona could do this as effectively.

 

[eastman]

I actually thnk Folau at 13 would be the strongest and safest option (with DHP and Banks, and potentially Hodge at 15). He was very strong defensively when he played there for the Waratahs and is generally a good defender though he didn't shine offensively like normal- at least this would force him to get involved.

 

[Rebels3]

Time for Hodge to channel his inner Rob Horne. Straight lines and big hits. Given our limitations at kicking that's another option plus his 50+ range.

Moving Folau limits our biggest threat with him under the high ball, moving him also increases the AB's threat in those areas as their back 3 are class there as well.

Will allow Banks and Rona to come onto the bench to cover the wings, fullback and centres. Plenty of pace coming on in the last 20 to run at tired legs

 

[fatprop]

Before Rona's debarkale last weekend, I thought he would have been the obvious choice

Previously his defence has been good and what he lacks in "punch" he has been really good at holding lines giving his wingers space

But Hodge would do a job there as well

 

[eastman]

Before Rona's debarkale last weekend, I thought he would have been the obvious choice

Watching him closely he seems to get beaten a bit too regularly on the inside trying to use just his arms.

 

[Braveheart81]

I challenge anyone to watch Reece Hodge in the games he's played at 13 and not hold grave concerns about his defence there.

I think all the options have significant problems and there isn't an obvious answer.

 

[RugbyReg]

I challenge anyone to watch Reece Hodge in the games he's played at 13 and not hold grave concerns about his defence there.

I think all the options have significant problems and there isn't an obvious answer.

yep, so you look at what they bring to the table and I reckon Hodge is the best rugby player of the candidates which puts him front of the line in my eyes.

 

[Braveheart81]

yep, so you look at what they bring to the table and I reckon Hodge is the best rugby player of the candidates which puts him front of the line in my eyes.

No doubt. I think he's probably the front runner and you'd think Cheika is now scrambling to skill him up as an option. He's got four weeks.

Rona is clearly in with a shot but he still gets at least one opportunity to show he's up to it in match conditions in a big game. Regardless, Cheika, Larkham and Grey should be working with Hodge and hoping Rona provides plenty of reasons that he should be selected instead.

 

[RoffsChoice]

Hodge, like Kerevi, knows how to tackle, but struggles to decide between committing to the man and defending the space. He could pull off the Jordie Barrett 13 role, but that really puts a lot of stress on the 12 and fullback.

Rona had a bad week, but has been good this season. Let's hope that the poor showing was a one-off.

 

[Rebels3]

Hodge, like Kerevi, knows how to tackle, but struggles to decide between committing to the man and defending the space. He could pull off the Jordie Barrett 13 role, but that really puts a lot of stress on the 12 and fullback.

Rona had a bad week, but has been good this season. Let's hope that the poor showing was a one-off.

Pretty good summary.

You are only as good as the person inside and outside of you. Generally they will dictate the most if you look like a clown or not

 

[Up the Guts]

I challenge anyone to watch Reece Hodge in the games he's played at 13 and not hold grave concerns about his defence there.

I think all the options have significant problems and there isn't an obvious answer.

I think that poor defence is as much a product of the Rebels poor defensive systems than anything else. Koroibete looked extremely poor at times for the Rebels but was very good for the Wallabies. Hopefully when Hodge is removed from the Rebels system and he’s not looking over his shoulder for attacks from his own team mates he will be better.

 

[Braveheart81]

TPN confirmed for first Bledisloe. https://t.co/kH8Yoo1vuw

I think that poor defence is as much a product of the Rebels poor defensive systems than anything else. Koroibete looked extremely poor at times for the Rebels but was very good for the Wallabies. Hopefully when Hodge is removed from the Rebels system and he’s not looking over his shoulder for attacks from his own team mates he will be better.

I don't disagree but it's still a leap of faith to take heading into the first Bledisloe. As I said, all the options have drawbacks and significant risks. No obvious choice.

 

[Derpus]

TPN confirmed for first Bledisloe. https://t.co/kH8Yoo1vuw




I don't disagree but it's still a leap of faith to take heading into the first Bledisloe. As I said, all the options have drawbacks and significant risks. No obvious choice.

Let us play a nice, tight game then eh.

 

[upthereds#!]

Really wish there was a list of the players in camp.

 

[upthereds#!]

So who do we know is in camp/safe bet to be in camp, knowing obviously there are no Tahs, To'omua, Tpn or Samu

Please edit -

Hooker: Amosa Fainga'a................is Uelese training yet?
Prop: Thor Sio Ala'alatoa Ainsley Faulkner
Lock: Hockings Rodda Tui Arnold Coleman..........did Enever and Philips get invites?
Flank/8: Wright Pocock Timu ....... can't imagine Higs or Timani got invites, did anyone else?
Half: Genia Powell
Fly: Mason, Stewart
Centre: Hodge, Petaia, Meakes
Outside B: Banks, Maddocks, Dhp, Koroibete Naivalu Speight