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Reece Hodge makes positional switch for Wallabies


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Michael Cheika has confirmed his matchday squad ahead of Friday night’s Bledisloe Cup trial in Sydney, which is free for all to attend.

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The Wallabies coach will use an extended squad to fine tune their match preparations ahead of the Bledisloe opener in Sydney on August 18 at ANZ Stadium. They Wallabies trial side will take on an Australian Super Rugby Selection team featuring several former Wallabies.

Rolling substitutions will be permitted for Friday night’s trial with the broader squad to each receive substantial playing minutes.

David Pocock will captain the side in the absence of Michael Hooper as he overcomes a hamstring strain.

Reece Hodge will start in the No. 13 jersey after injuries grounded Samu Kerevi and Tevita Kuridrani, while young Queenslander Hamish Stewart will steer the ship from flyhalf. Hodge has spent most of the season at flyhalf, and has spent most of his time in a Wallabies shirt on the wing.

Jed Holloway and Jake Gordon have both been rewarded for their fine Super Rugby form while some members of the NSW Waratahs were not considered for selection after bowing out of the finals last weekend.

Tomorrow night’s clash will be broadcast live and free to all Australians, as well as Wallabies fans around the world, with the game to be streamed on RUGBY.com.au.

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WALLABIES

1. Scott Sio, 2. Folau Faingaa, 3. Jermaine Ainsley, 4. Adam Coleman, 5. Rory Arnold, 6. Adam Korczyk, 7. David Pocock (C), 8. Caleb Timu, 9. Will Genia, 10. Hamish Stewart, 11. Jack Maddocks, 12. Billy Meakes, 13. Reece Hodge, 14. Marika Koroibete, 15. Tom Banks.
Reserves: 16. Tetera Faulkner, 17. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 18. Taniela Tupou, 19. Izack Rodda, 20. Harry Hockings, 21. Lukhan Tui, 22. Liam Wright, 23. Isi Naisarani, 24. Joe Powell, 27. Jed Holloway, 28. Jordan Petaia, 29. Sefa Naivalu, 30. Jake Gordon.

AUSTRALIAN SELECTION

1. James Slipper, 2. Anaru Rangi, 3. Sam Talakai, 4. Blake Enever, 5. Matt Philip, 6. Angus Cottrell, 7. Richard Hardwick, 8. Pat Sio, 9. Moses Sorovi, 10. Andrew Deegan, 11. Filipo Daugunu, 12. Duncan Paia’aua, 13. Tom English (C), 14. Pama Fou, 15. Semisi Tupou.
Reserves: 16. Hugh Roach, 17. Fereti Sa’aga, 18. Mees Erasmus, 19. Angus Blyth, 20. Tevin Ferris, 21. Mick Snowden, 22. Sam Lane, 23. Fabian Goodall.

In other news:

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Phantom 1 hour ago
Nations Championship: 'The data shows the north has finally caught up with the south'

Fact: the gap between the North and the South has narrowed considerably - that I get. However, determining that only selecting only Home grown players or playing in the home country is is the optimal strategy is a bit of a toss up and highly reliant on the economies of the home union. I do understand that England and to a lesser degree Ireland selects home based only. The top 14 is a massive threat to their domestic product. France would probably not be affected (the money is at home). Fiji, Argentina, Samoa, Italy and you could even argue Scotland have only benefitted from this. Their players either go overseas to learn at higher levels (Fiji, Samoa, Argentina) or players coming into their leagues to strengthen the home product and their National teams (Scotland, Italy, Japan).

South Africa used to limit its selection to the home based players, but the reality of a weak currency vs what players could earn oversees meant that you lost access to your best players at some stage of their careers, with very few exceptions. Kolbe left SA as he was considered too small for International Rugby (yes coaches/selectors view), but ironically in France he forced selectors to notice his endeavors and select him. He is only reaching 50 caps now despite being north of 30 - granted rotation and the odd injury also played a role, but for the most part it is having debuted or becoming a regular so late.



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