Planet Rugby Forum

Slim 293 wrote: ↑Mon Jun 07, 2021 11:29 pm Dan McKellar appointed Wallabies forwards’ coach…

https://www.rugby.com.au/news/super-rug ... ach-202167

Zakar wrote: ↑Mon Jun 07, 2021 11:32 pm I still like Hodge in a horses for courses kind of way.

Sometimes, you need a solid as fudge guy that can kick the ball over them there mountains. Like, a wet as fudge match versus the Bokke with someone named Steyn in the team.

He's a perfect squad guy, that can cover a lot of positions in a pinch, but shouldn't be in your starting side, and hopefully you won't necessarily even need him on the bench. He's the perfect guy to start at 10 versus Namibia in the world cup.

Sooner or later kiwis will realise Jordie Barrett is the Brown Hodge.

guy smiley wrote: ↑Tue Jun 08, 2021 5:52 am Neither's Hodge.

Slim 293 wrote: ↑Wed Jun 09, 2021 11:20 pm Speaking of athletes, Billy Pollard is making his debut this weekend off the bench for the Brumbies, in place of McInerney or Faingaa…

https://youtu.be/tnqRQ8DJQ-8

Zakar wrote: ↑Tue Jun 08, 2021 4:43 am Freaks 15

Bell
Longeran
Tupou
Hosea
Frost (I'd sub in Neville here - he's a pretty bloody good athlete, ex-AIS rower, and a better combination with Hosea)
Valetini
Hooper
Wilson
Tate? (Fines probably the better athlete, but Tate is a more realistic prospect.)
JOC
Korobiete
Paisami
Perese
Vunivalu
Petaia


That's not bad. Might be weak in scrums.

towny wrote: ↑Tue Jun 08, 2021 6:11 am

guy smiley wrote: ↑Tue Jun 08, 2021 5:52 am Neither's Hodge.

That’s who I was talking about. Jordie Barrett is twice as good. Hodge wouldn’t make the squad of a single kiwi Super Rugby team.

Mog The Almighty wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 7:14 am

Zakar wrote: ↑Tue Jun 08, 2021 4:43 am Freaks 15

Bell
Longeran
Tupou
Hosea
Frost (I'd sub in Neville here - he's a pretty bloody good athlete, ex-AIS rower, and a better combination with Hosea)
Valetini
Hooper
Wilson
Tate? (Fines probably the better athlete, but Tate is a more realistic prospect.)
JOC
Korobiete
Paisami
Perese
Vunivalu
Petaia


That's not bad. Might be weak in scrums.

I don't know why you think that side would be weak in the scrums.

towny wrote: ↑Tue Jun 08, 2021 6:11 am

guy smiley wrote: ↑Tue Jun 08, 2021 5:52 am Neither's Hodge.

That’s who I was talking about. Jordie Barrett is twice as good. Hodge wouldn’t make the squad of a single kiwi Super Rugby team.

Yes he would. He's a fine player.

Mog The Almighty wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 7:14 am

Zakar wrote: ↑Tue Jun 08, 2021 4:43 am Freaks 15

Bell
Longeran
Tupou
Hosea
Frost (I'd sub in Neville here - he's a pretty bloody good athlete, ex-AIS rower, and a better combination with Hosea)
Valetini
Hooper
Wilson
Tate? (Fines probably the better athlete, but Tate is a more realistic prospect.)
JOC
Korobiete
Paisami
Perese
Vunivalu
Petaia


That's not bad. Might be weak in scrums.

I don't know why you think that side would be weak in the scrums.

towny wrote: ↑Tue Jun 08, 2021 6:11 am

guy smiley wrote: ↑Tue Jun 08, 2021 5:52 am Neither's Hodge.

That’s who I was talking about. Jordie Barrett is twice as good. Hodge wouldn’t make the squad of a single kiwi Super Rugby team.

Yes he would. He's a fine player.

Zakar wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 8:26 am

Mog The Almighty wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 7:14 am

Zakar wrote: ↑Tue Jun 08, 2021 4:43 am Freaks 15

Bell
Longeran
Tupou
Hosea
Frost (I'd sub in Neville here - he's a pretty bloody good athlete, ex-AIS rower, and a better combination with Hosea)
Valetini
Hooper
Wilson
Tate? (Fines probably the better athlete, but Tate is a more realistic prospect.)
JOC
Korobiete
Paisami
Perese
Vunivalu
Petaia


That's not bad. Might be weak in scrums.

I don't know why you think that side would be weak in the scrums.

towny wrote: ↑Tue Jun 08, 2021 6:11 am

guy smiley wrote: ↑Tue Jun 08, 2021 5:52 am Neither's Hodge.

That’s who I was talking about. Jordie Barrett is twice as good. Hodge wouldn’t make the squad of a single kiwi Super Rugby team.

Yes he would. He's a fine player.

Because Bell is still only ok as a scrummager, Longeran is young and light and the two locks are both jumpers not thumpers.

towny wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 9:52 am

Zakar wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 8:26 am

Mog The Almighty wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 7:14 am

Zakar wrote: ↑Tue Jun 08, 2021 4:43 am Freaks 15

Bell
Longeran
Tupou
Hosea
Frost (I'd sub in Neville here - he's a pretty bloody good athlete, ex-AIS rower, and a better combination with Hosea)
Valetini
Hooper
Wilson
Tate? (Fines probably the better athlete, but Tate is a more realistic prospect.)
JOC
Korobiete
Paisami
Perese
Vunivalu
Petaia


That's not bad. Might be weak in scrums.

I don't know why you think that side would be weak in the scrums.

towny wrote: ↑Tue Jun 08, 2021 6:11 am

guy smiley wrote: ↑Tue Jun 08, 2021 5:52 am Neither's Hodge.

That’s who I was talking about. Jordie Barrett is twice as good. Hodge wouldn’t make the squad of a single kiwi Super Rugby team.

Yes he would. He's a fine player.

Because Bell is still only ok as a scrummager, Longeran is young and light and the two locks are both jumpers not thumpers.

Yeah. It would be shaky. Timani might be useful.

Frost is an athlete but he’s a house cat not a tiger.

towny wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 9:49 am

Mog The Almighty wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 7:14 am

Zakar wrote: ↑Tue Jun 08, 2021 4:43 am Freaks 15

Bell
Longeran
Tupou
Hosea
Frost (I'd sub in Neville here - he's a pretty bloody good athlete, ex-AIS rower, and a better combination with Hosea)
Valetini
Hooper
Wilson
Tate? (Fines probably the better athlete, but Tate is a more realistic prospect.)
JOC
Korobiete
Paisami
Perese
Vunivalu
Petaia


That's not bad. Might be weak in scrums.

I don't know why you think that side would be weak in the scrums.

towny wrote: ↑Tue Jun 08, 2021 6:11 am

guy smiley wrote: ↑Tue Jun 08, 2021 5:52 am Neither's Hodge.

That’s who I was talking about. Jordie Barrett is twice as good. Hodge wouldn’t make the squad of a single kiwi Super Rugby team.

Yes he would. He's a fine player.

Which team would he make at what position?

Mog The Almighty wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 10:10 am

towny wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 9:49 am

Mog The Almighty wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 7:14 am

Zakar wrote: ↑Tue Jun 08, 2021 4:43 am Freaks 15

Bell
Longeran
Tupou
Hosea
Frost (I'd sub in Neville here - he's a pretty bloody good athlete, ex-AIS rower, and a better combination with Hosea)
Valetini
Hooper
Wilson
Tate? (Fines probably the better athlete, but Tate is a more realistic prospect.)
JOC
Korobiete
Paisami
Perese
Vunivalu
Petaia


That's not bad. Might be weak in scrums.

I don't know why you think that side would be weak in the scrums.

towny wrote: ↑Tue Jun 08, 2021 6:11 am

guy smiley wrote: ↑Tue Jun 08, 2021 5:52 am Neither's Hodge.

That’s who I was talking about. Jordie Barrett is twice as good. Hodge wouldn’t make the squad of a single kiwi Super Rugby team.

Yes he would. He's a fine player.

Which team would he make at what position?

He's a useful utility back, and a solid defender with a howitzer of a boot. Without getting into specifics, I wouldn't be shocked if he would make the match-day team for all of them.

You can't not select him just because he looks like a nerd. Flashy highlight reel plays are only part of the game.

Olo wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 10:34 am TBF Hodge has always performed very well at test level, often being the catalyst for a win. Hes a big stage player and Rennie will not forget what he has done in his short coaching tenure.

towny wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 11:18 am

Mog The Almighty wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 10:10 am

towny wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 9:49 am

Mog The Almighty wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 7:14 am

Zakar wrote: ↑Tue Jun 08, 2021 4:43 am Freaks 15

Bell
Longeran
Tupou
Hosea
Frost (I'd sub in Neville here - he's a pretty bloody good athlete, ex-AIS rower, and a better combination with Hosea)
Valetini
Hooper
Wilson
Tate? (Fines probably the better athlete, but Tate is a more realistic prospect.)
JOC
Korobiete
Paisami
Perese
Vunivalu
Petaia


That's not bad. Might be weak in scrums.

I don't know why you think that side would be weak in the scrums.

towny wrote: ↑Tue Jun 08, 2021 6:11 am

That’s who I was talking about. Jordie Barrett is twice as good. Hodge wouldn’t make the squad of a single kiwi Super Rugby team.

Yes he would. He's a fine player.

Which team would he make at what position?

He's a useful utility back, and a solid defender with a howitzer of a boot. Without getting into specifics, I wouldn't be shocked if he would make the match-day team for all of them.

You can't not select him just because he looks like a nerd. Flashy highlight reel plays are only part of the game.

But he’s got a poor pass and all the guile of a wheelie bin.

Let’s start with the Crusaders?

Who would you drop for Reece Hodge?
10. Richie Mo’unga
11. Fainga’anuku
12. David Havili
13. Brandon Ennor
14. Sevu Reece
15. Will Jordan

towny wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 11:19 am

Olo wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 10:34 am TBF Hodge has always performed very well at test level, often being the catalyst for a win. Hes a big stage player and Rennie will not forget what he has done in his short coaching tenure.

Catalyst for the win….. can you name a few times?

Olo wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 12:13 pm

towny wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 11:19 am

Olo wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 10:34 am TBF Hodge has always performed very well at test level, often being the catalyst for a win. Hes a big stage player and Rennie will not forget what he has done in his short coaching tenure.

Catalyst for the win….. can you name a few times?

Wasn’t he at 10 last year when we beat the ABs? He is a very good test performer, much better than in Soup, like To’omua.

towny wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 11:19 am

Olo wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 10:34 am TBF Hodge has always performed very well at test level, often being the catalyst for a win. Hes a big stage player and Rennie will not forget what he has done in his short coaching tenure.

Catalyst for the win….. can you name a few times?

Olo wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 10:34 am TBF Hodge has always performed very well at test level, often being the catalyst for a win. Hes a big stage player and Rennie will not forget what he has done in his short coaching tenure.

Olo wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 10:59 pm I think he was also on the wing for a win against the AIGs a couple of years ago where he showed surprising speed and ran almost the length of the pitch for a score.

Those three could be aberrations though…..

Olo wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 11:00 pm Not to mention getting more than a few penalty kicks from his own side of halfway in tests.

Zakar wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 9:54 pm

towny wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 11:19 am

Olo wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 10:34 am TBF Hodge has always performed very well at test level, often being the catalyst for a win. Hes a big stage player and Rennie will not forget what he has done in his short coaching tenure.

Catalyst for the win….. can you name a few times?

He was at 13 and got a length of the field intercept vs the ABs a couple years back.

shanky wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 11:41 pm

Zakar wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 9:54 pm

towny wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 11:19 am

Olo wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 10:34 am TBF Hodge has always performed very well at test level, often being the catalyst for a win. Hes a big stage player and Rennie will not forget what he has done in his short coaching tenure.

Catalyst for the win….. can you name a few times?

He was at 13 and got a length of the field intercept vs the ABs a couple years back.

There was that time at the RWC where he took on Kimbo Slice and survived

Olo wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 10:29 am Vunivalu and Petaia not available for the squad apparently.

A few tough decisions being made for Rennie.

Wallabies will leave ‘in droves’ if we pick overseas players like Springboks: Rennie
Tom Decent
By Tom Decent

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has warned selecting an unlimited number of overseas-based Australian players for national duty could prompt a mass exodus and says he doesn’t want to follow the strategy adopted by South Africa two years ago.

Days out from picking his first Wallabies squad of 2021, for three Tests against France in July, Rennie has indicated all players will be Australian-based or have signed contracts in Australia for 2022.


Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie has emphasised that he will prioritise picking Australian-based players over those who choose to chase the money overseas.

Rugby Australia rules state that players who have future overseas contracts, such as Queensland Reds hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa, who is France-bound later in the year, can play until they are required to head abroad.

But earlier this week former Wallaby Drew Mitchell called for those moving overseas or based beyond these shores to not be forgotten.

“Where we are in this country and up against different sports, we need wins,” Mitchell said on Stan Sport’s Rugby Heaven program. “We need to win against this French team ... so pick the best team.

“You can’t disregard someone because they have chosen to go overseas. We do it for coaches, coaches come from overseas.”

At present, Rennie is able to call in two overseas-based players with fewer than 60 Tests to their name - with Rugby Australia board approval - but has reiterated a desire to pick local talent.

Top rugby nations have different policies. World champions South Africa pick players from anywhere in the world, having scrapped an eligibility rule requiring players to have played 30 Tests if they wanted to come back and represent the Springboks.

Coach Rassie Erasmus believes this tweak helped South Africa win the 2019 World Cup. But on the flip side there has been a major player drain, exacerbated by COVID-19 and the game’s elite chasing higher wages in Europe and Japan.

Dozens of world-class Australians are plying their trade overseas but Rennie believes selecting those here is a more favourable strategy.

“It’s the dangers of doing that and the effect it’ll have on our local game,” Rennie said. “I honestly believe if we open the gates … that will have an effect on our game here on Super Rugby teams.


“It’s what happened in South Africa. They had a mass exodus of their top players. If we open the gates and pick wholesale then the lure of the Yen and the Euro [is huge] and the difference in money is phenomenal.

“Players will go in their droves because they can get three times the amount of money. It’d be difficult to keep people here.”

COVID-19 makes bringing back overseas players a tricky process and Rennie is more than happy with the 38 players he will announce on Sunday.

He says roughly 20 per cent of the group hasn’t been confirmed in his mind, with this week’s final Super Rugby Trans-Tasman matches serving as final auditions for Wallabies hopefuls.

***********
Meanwhile, French officials have expressed frustrations at quarantine conditions that will be imposed when they arrive in Australia, but Rennie believes it is simply posturing.

Players will be granted a set amount of time each day to train but be confined to hotel rooms for the remainder of their early period in Australia.

“They’ll be able to train normally and prepare normally,” Rennie said. “I’m pretty confident that whatever small negotiations are going on the series will go ahead.”

Regardless of what calibre team is sent to Australia, Rennie assured there was excellent depth even if players competing in the Top 14 final wouldn’t be available for the first Test and possibly others.

“The depth at the moment they have is phenomenal. They’re as good as I’ve seen in French rugby for a couple of decades,” Rennie said.

“They’ll bring a quality team. They’ve got 14 sides in their professional division, there’s plenty of numbers to pick from. It won’t take them too long to get back in the swing of things we predict.”

towny wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 11:33 pm

Olo wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 11:00 pm Not to mention getting more than a few penalty kicks from his own side of halfway in tests.

How many did he miss that would have won the game? Did he any monster kicks win a game?

Zakar wrote: ↑Fri Jun 11, 2021 2:18 am Nobody is wanting him to start, but we don't agree he's some plodding club level bloke you're painting him to be.

Of course we want better players, and we've got them in spades.

However with Vunivalu, Petaia and Maddocks likely injured, the back three v France is almost certainly.

11. Korobiete
14. Wright
15. Banks

I'd grab Dugunu as next cab off the rank. Not sure who else is in the running, maybe Muirhead if he's healthy. Be good to get another indigenous bloke a cap, and he was playing well before his injury.

But after that, a healthy Hodge is a good squad option, and would be fine as bench cover. Id pick him over Jock Campbell any day. Fava is probably fluffing for Jack McGregor

shanky wrote: ↑Fri Jun 11, 2021 2:21 am Agreed.

He’s more versatile than Ant Faingaa and I am fairly probably sure that DD loved that bloke

Squad utility back ftw

shanky wrote: ↑Fri Jun 11, 2021 12:05 am

I think we should invoke the mercy rule at this point.