Wallabies captain Allan Alaalatoa was proud of the journey fellow prop Alex Hodgman has undergone to join a unique group in history.
If Hodgman takes the field on Saturday against Georgia, he will become the fourth player to play for both the All Blacks and the Wallabies and the first in the professional era.
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Ted Jessep, Des Connor and Owen Stephens are the three previous men to have represented both countries at Test level.
Hodgman became eligible at the end of 2023, ironically making his debut against the Wallabies in 2020.
In a full circle moment, the former Blue spent most of his Test debut battling against captain Alaalatoa, with the Brumby impressed with his growth. “Seeing the way he prepares even when he hasn’t got the opportunity the last couple of games, his attention to detail is unreal to see from the outside," Alaalatoa said to reporters.
“He is a professional 24/7 who’s always on and deserved this opportunity. Listening to the nice message from his wife and kids, it was quite emotional so you can see how special tomorrow night is going to be from him.
“I know that a lot of the boys have him and Darby in the back of our minds to make sure that we’re pushing ourselves.”
Stephens was the last to make the switch in 1973, with fellow Kiwi-born and coach Joe Schmidt delighted with his progression.
“I know it means something to Alex himself. He’s driven to achieve and he’s not a young prop, he’s experienced, he’s played at the level in a Test match for the All Blacks,” Schmidt said.
“He had a little bit of an up and down season with the Reds with injury, but when he was available I thought he did a good job. He’s very keen to grab the opportunity with both hands.
He knows there’s a few other guys coming back from injury and that it’s, hopefully, a competitive position for us once we’re selecting the TRC squad.
“I’m delighted for him."
