Tahs must put Mowen and Horne in starting XV

 
The Crowd Roar Pro

By Chris McKay, 9 Mar 2010 The Crowd is a Roar Pro

Tagged:
 , , , , , ,

12 Have your say

Related coverage



Chris Hickey has a few selection issues he needs to sort out this week, and a few of them seem pretty clear.

Mumm should be retained at four with Caldwell back into the starting side. Both are quiet agile, and should address the re-start issues from the weekend, which so far this season has kept both the Reds and Sharks in the game.

Mowen should be re-instated at six and should remain there permanently. He had an outstanding game against the Bulls and always makes an impact when he plays. His speed around the field, strong line-out work and link play are key to getting the Tahs on the front foot game in game out.

These changes push Kane Douglas and Dennis out of the starting 15. I can understand retaining Dennis on the bench as he can play second row and six, and is agile, but why keep Douglas in the 22?

Hickey made last weekends changes based on the Sharks style of play and the physicality of it. For anyone that watched the Brumbies versus Lions game, it was clear for all to see that this was not a really physical game. It was open and free flowing. Hickey needs to respond and pick the right squad to counter the Loins style.

There is one change that should be made regardless of opposition and that is Horne moving into 13 permanently. Nothing against Carter, he is a solid 12 and has filled the 13 gap adequately, but on Saturday night you could see he is not accustomed to some of the running lines and lacks the real pace needed to cut that wider channel open.

He provides a brilliant bench option and in the dying 15-20 minutes will provide real forward movement and thrust at 12. If the Waratahs are to really open up their arsenal they need Horne at 13. He is one of the fastest players in Australian rugby (second behind Turner in last years speed testing) and has shown some real sting in defence as well.

Hickey has one of the best squads on paper, but the reality is that he needs to start utilising it otherwise come end of season the Tahs will find themselves out of the finals, down on supporters and looking for a new coach.

Enjoy sports? Enjoy a bargain? All Sports Online has your favourite sporting brands at up to 70% off. Online only, premium quality sporting goods and merchandise at discounted prices. Get a deal now.

Get a daily rugby union email

Our daily emails are only sent if there is content for the sport. You can subscribe to multiple daily emails; or get the daily Roar email with all our content in it.

We value privacy. More.