Hodson answers Force call
Western Force coach Michael Foley has been forced to dig deep into his resources as the club's injury crisis grows ahead of tomorrow's Super Rugby clash with the Crusaders in Christchurch.
Wallabies No.8 Ben McCalman has a groin injury and Foley has called up fringe flanker Ryan Hodson from his wider training group as cover.
Hodson, 24, who has been playing for Cottesloe, is an Australian under-20 representative who made two appearances as an injury replacement for the Melbourne Rebels in 2012.
A former Hale School pupil and UWA student, Hodson spent two months with English Championship club Jersey earlier this year and is set to return for the 2014-15 season.
He has also played for Manly and Eastern Suburbs in Sydney's Shute Shield.
Brynard Stander is likely to replace McCalman in the only change to the side that beat the Lions.
Second-rower Phoenix Battye and scrum-half Alby Mathewson are travelling with the squad but are unlikely to start.
The Crusaders have no injury problems and coach Todd Blackadder has named a powerful side.
The only change to the team that beat the Highlanders is the return of captain and No.8 Kieran Read after six weeks out with concussion and flu.
He has been training with the All Blacks for the Test series against England.
The Force, in fourth spot, have never beaten the Crusaders (third) in New Zealand and a win is crucial to both sides who want to consolidate a finals spot before the three-week Test break.
