Hodge, the 23-year-old Melbourne Rebels flyer, scored two tries and played a leading hand in four of Australia's five-pointers during their comprehensive 37-20 win in Argentina.

He even had a try disallowed in the second half after a Tevita Kuridrani forward pass was picked up by the television match official.

From 18 previous Tests, Hodge had never before scored a double, having crossed the white line against Wales and Scotland on last year's spring tour as well as in the Italy match in Brisbane.

Hodge said he felt comfortable and stopped short of saying it was his best game in a gold jersey.

"I guess it was good to get involved a little bit more," Hodge said. "I'm still a bit filthy with myself with a few errors that I did make - I missed a couple of tackles as well.

"It definitely wasn't a complete performance and there is plenty to improve on before the Bledisloe."

Coach Michael Cheika once viewed Hodge as a long-term No.12 option but with Kurtley Beale back in terrific form, despite a slightly off night in Mendoza, a wing spot is where Hodge belongs for the time being.

"He was very good," Cheika said. "Hodge is a very consistent player and he got a few opportunities. Some of the moves were around him and he was able to finish. His defence was good as well. He's a good lad and he's still got plenty to go. I was very happy with him."

Former NRL winger Marika Koroibete once again crossed the white line with a long-range effort that Hodge was particularly impressed with.

"He's a bloody good finisher, isn't he," Hodge said. "He obviously showed that all throughout his rugby league days and with the Rebels as well, when he actually got a few touches on the end of our back line

"He's a pretty balanced runner and he obviously stumbled for the last 15 or 20 [metres]."