'Fire in their belly': Wallaby star's warning ahead of second Bok clash

SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies utility back Reece Hodge is predicting a fierce response from the Springboks in Sydney.

The Australians are buzzing after a 25-17 win over the world champions at Adelaide Oval, which moved them up to second spot on the Rugby Championship’s standings.

Victory in Round Four could take them to the top of the standings, but they are bracing themselves for a tougher challenge.

“They’re going to come out with some serious fire in their belly in Sydney,” said Hodge.

“We’re always expecting them to come out firing and we’re definitely not complacent in any sense of the word.

“I think everyone’s excited by that challenge and especially at a brand-new stadium in Sydney that none of us have played at before in front of a parochial crowd.”

#ICYMI: WATCH as loose forward Albertus Smith and centre Lukhanyo Am talk about the Springboks’ effort in a losing cause against the Wallabies. 👇#RugbyChampionship #SouthAfrica #Springboks #Australia #Wallabies #AUSvRSA https://t.co/7cZWf0smBF

— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) August 29, 2022

Hodge has been Australia’s Mr Fix It for a long time.

But after returning to the Wallabies’ starting side at fullback in Saturday’s win he would like to be Mr Consistent.

After a dismal 17-48 defeat to Argentina, Australia coach Dave Rennie brought Hodge back into his starting XV for that first Test against South Africa.

The Melbourne Rebels fullback repaid the faith with a solid showing.

Hodge, who earned his recall to the top side after starring for Australia ‘A’, played a cool hand when speaking to reporters on Monday, putting the focus on the team’s performance ahead of Saturday’s Test at the newly-rebuilt Sydney Football Stadium.

“I’m just happy with the way that I played my role,” he said. “We’ve got a job to do and back it up next Saturday.

“I don’t really like talking about myself too much.

“I’d rather just talk about the team win and if I can play a role in that and do my job, then I’m happy.”

Hodge may be a veteran of 58 caps but at Test level the Rebels man has floated between fullback, flyhalf, wing and a role on the bench.

In the last year alone, Rennie has deployed Tom Wright, Andrew Kellaway, Tom Banks, Jordan Petaia and Kurtley Beale in the No.15 role.

With a year to go until the Rugby World Cup in France, Hodge is clear on what’s required for him to become the first-choice pick.

“In the past, my accuracy has let me down a little bit in different aspects in my game,” the 28-year-old said.

“I’m almost as hard a marker on myself as anyone and I want nothing more than to be playing consistent Test rugby.

“I strive to be better every day and perform and, more importantly, be someone that my mates can trust out on the field.”

Australia will need Hodge to be that player once more as they aim to score a ninth straight win over South Africa on home soil.

#ICYMI: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has opted to steer clear of criticising the referee’s decisions following his team’s defeat to the Wallabies. #RugbyChampionship #SouthAfrica #Springboks #Australia #Wallabies #AUSvRSA 👇https://t.co/8SBFuYnJ7u

— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) August 29, 2022