Alex Hodgman will miss the Reds’ clash with the Chiefs due to a shoulder injury.Credit:Queensland Reds Media
It is the same shoulder that required surgery and ruled the former Blues middle out for much of the 2023 season.
And it’s a bitter blow for coach Les Kiss’ men in their quest to avenge a hoodoo against their New Zealand rivals after registering just two wins from 17 clashes in the past three seasons.
A veteran of 118 Super Rugby appearances for the Hurricanes,Toomaga-Allen will come off the Reds’ bench with a vow to overturn a run of trans-Tasman fade-outs,having led four of their past seven clashes against Kiwi clubs at the 60-minute mark,only to win just once from that point.
Loading
“I guess[I’ll bring] experience,and how to go to some dark places when you need to – especially against good Kiwi teams,” Toomaga-Allen said ahead of Saturday’s battle with the undefeated Chiefs.
“You look at that final 20[minutes] and how much of an impact their[the Hurricanes] bench versus our bench had. Our bench came on and blitzed it,and they were awesome,but I think that’s where the difference is.
“Hopefully,Les sees that in me and my experience coming off the bench. That’s very important,and hopefully it’s evident on the weekend.