Reece Hodge named as starting pivot after impressing coach

Reece Hodge has been handed the five-eighth jersey for the Melbourne Rebels’ Super Rugby clash with the Sunwolves.

Reece Hodge gets an oportunity at five-eighth against the Rebels.

Rest and reward are behind the decision to hand Reece Hodge the five-eighth jersey for the Melbourne Rebels’ Super Rugby clash with the Sunwolves in Melbourne tonight.

Hodge will start as chief playmaker for the first time after impressing coach Dave Wessels when he shifted to the position during their tight win over the Brumbies.

Wessels says the 23-year-old has earned the start but he also wants to give Jack Debreczeni a rest after starting every other game this season. Debreczeni has been told to take a mini-break to freshen up as they push for a maiden finals berth.

“Jack is one of only two players to have started every game for us and he’s played almost every minute too,” Wessels said yesterday.

“It’s also a reward for Reece when he did move into that position. He brings a nice physical presence to us, particularly in defence in that role and also a fair bit of experience.”

The match is the final audition of Wallabies contenders, with the squad to be named next week for the three-Test series against Six Nations champions Ireland.

AAP