Bledisloe Test

Wallabies rejig backline for third Bledisloe

Defence coach Nathan Grey endorsed Hodge as an inside centre option before the Wallabies flew to Auckland on Thursday.

“His skill set, he's a big body, he carries the ball very well and he's got a good passing game that he uses and he's got good speed, so all those attributes are very positive to have in a 12,” he said.

“He defends there, in at 12 anyway for us, so he's used to being in that environment.”

Quade Cooper has been dropped to the bench to make way for Foley to return to his usual playmaking spot.