Hats off to Reece Hodge who has played such a huge role to his Rebels’ fantastic win at home (AAMI Park) v the Waratahs last night. He’s so good in all areas such as backing up his numbers in the attack at all times, particularly where he opened his side’s scoring account with the TRY going back earlier in the first half. Plus, he can make up all kinds of kicks, can be flexible with multiple positions in the backline & has tremendous leadership there. Like how Hodge helped Stacey Ili (Inside role at No.12) respond to the Tahs’ early 2nd half fightback with the win they deserve. As long as he keeps up every week, then he’s gonna be a useful asset for both the Rebels & Wallabies throughout this year.
Another Rebels player who also came one of the three traditional rugby states like Reece Hodge is Carter Gordon (QLD) over at first-five eighth. He also played really well every time when Gordon was always in check with his numbers going forward; That way, the Tahs defenders don’t interrupt their own attack along the way before the Rebels’ execution was spot on a few times. And having capped off a full game’s shift including a TRY later in the 2nd half, he feels right at home since 2021 as he can balance both the physicality & his sprinting-like skillset that reflects his natural game as a well-rounded No.10.
And Taleni Seu has made a huge difference straight off the bench during the 2nd-half for the Tahs. He wasted no time dismantling the Rebels defenders one by one where his extreme tall build & strength became a useful attacking asset that helped them overtook the home side for a brief time at one point. Although he was happy to finish off the game with a consolation TRY, the Tahs just couldn’t stay ahead/hold top spot by slipping the Rebels up in their tracks. He’s hoping to play more & help them get their season back on track, so he can be an able defender on top of his attacking prowess that will scare the opposition as always.
