0
Article Published: Tuesday 7 April 2009
http://www.rugbyweek.com/news/article.asp?id=19495
Western Force coach John Mitchell says that he in enjoying seeing Matt Hodgson and Nick Cummins continue their impressive development especially against the Reds.
While 21-year-old winger Cummins has shown good signs on attack with his ability to run and break tackles in the past, Mitchell was proud to see him stop two tries single-handedly and Hodgson was named man-of-the-match for another outstanding display as blindside flanker.
On two occasions, young Reds winger Blair Connor looked certain to score a try out wide but due to the fierce tackling of Cummins he was stopped both times.
The first was when Cummins forced him to take a step into touch before jumping to score, and the second he forced the ball out of the young Queenslander's hands as he was attempting to ground it. Mitchell was happy with what he saw from his mullet warrior.
"Cummo has come a long way since his introduction to the Force at this level and he will only keep getting better," Mitchell said on the Force's web site.
"He's a big strong lad so that will give him and his teammates confidence in that he can deal with things out on the edge."
Hodgson has had to bide his time with 30 caps in the previous three years with the Force, but has played every game this year, run on in four of them and now is Mitchell's preferred choice at No. 6.
As much as his performance has impressed Mitchell, it's more his constant effort, desire and consistency he likes from the 27-year-old.
"Hodgo is a great character on and off the field for this team," Mitchell said.
"Every time he plays in a Western Force team he spills everything about his character and leaves nothing in the tank."
Captain Nathan Sharpe sees firsthand on the park the work Hodgson does and is also a big supporter of his.
"A bloke like Hodgo epitomises this team," Sharpe said.
"He turns up every week, does a great job and is one of those guys that some weeks won't have much said about him, but he was outstanding once again."
Super14.com
http://www.rugbyweek.com/news/article.asp?id=19495