Hodge relishing Ireland test as Cheika names Wallabies squad

Reece Hodge is excited by the challenge ahead of Australia as they prepare to face the world’s “form team” in Ireland.

The Wallabies kick-off their 2018 fixtures against the Six Nations champions on June 9 after losing their last two internationals against England and Scotland in November.

Turning that form around is the number one priority for Hodge, but he knows Joe Schmidt’s side will be no pushover – even though they have not won in Australia since 1979.

“They’ve had some great success for their backline throughout the Six Nations and there’s really young, exciting guys in that backline such as Garry Ringrose,” Hodge told reporters.

“Obviously, [Jacob] Stockdale won the Six Nations player of the tournament and then there are guys like [Johnny] Sexton who is all class.

“They have threats right across the backline and a really strong forward pack.

“It’s going to be a massive test — they’re probably the form team in the world at the moment so I’m looking forward to it.”

Australia’s squad will only have a week to prepare together ahead of the clash in Brisbane due to Super Rugby commitments, however Hodge is not concerned.

“I think it [lack of time] is something that everyone’s used to around the Test set-up previously,” he added.

“You try to have those meetings and little camps and stuff like that to gel the team together before the June series but it’s a matter of us putting our allegiances aside to our provincial teams and then getting into the test team.

“I think everyone’s pretty experienced at doing that and hopefully the team can gel well before the first test.”

Hodge will be part of a 33-man squad named by Michael Cheika, but there is no place for Pete Samu – the Crusaders forward having been linked with a first international call.

Australia squad:

Forwards: Sekope Kepu, Tom Robertson, Scott Sio, Taniela Tupou, Allan Alaalatoa, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Jordan Uelese, Izack Rodda, Folau Fainga’a, Rory Arnold, Adam Coleman, Rob Simmons, Michael Hooper, Ned Hanigan, Lukhan Tui, Caleb Timu, David Pocock

Backs: Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Tom Banks, Kurtley Beale, Israel Folau, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Tevita Kuridrani, Jack Maddocks, Sefa Naivalu, Nick Phipps, Joe Powell, Curtis Rona