Horne a perfect fit for Wallabies No 13 jumper
Roar Rookie By aeisler, 18 May 2010 aeisler is a Roar Rookie
- Tagged:
- Rob Horne, robbie deans, Rubgy Union, wallabies
I’ve read much debate on here about who should play where for the Wallabies. There are great debates that rage over the number 10 with Giteau versus Cooper, or the Hodgson, Brown, Elsom, Pocock, Waugh debates.
All have arguments for and against and I imagine that this depth will serve Robbie Deans well in being able to construct a team that matches different strategies for different games.
But I’m here to talk about 13 – a position that requires much pace, much strength, ability to read attack and little need for kicking.
At the SFS, I’ve watched many 13s in the last few years try and fail in that position. We’ve seen great talent in that position that had it all, except the ability to read the game (like Tahu).
We’ve seen those with strength but little pace that see oppositions run around them (like Carter).
Horne has come a long way now and the (Waratahs) defence has never looked better. I am going to get flamed for this, but I’m going to go ahead and say it anyway: Horne is the best backline defender in Australian Rugby … possibly ever.
Time and time again he lets the greats of the game such as Habana, Jacobs, Conrad, Kahui, Jaque, get on his outside and then shuts them down with speed into the sideline.
But it’s not just his sliding defence that is remarkable.
He hits very hard. For a small boy of just 90kg, he tackles like he’s 100kg. Considering he’s one of the fastest players in world rugby, it must feel like being being hit by a truck.
Yes, he is one of the fastest in world rugby.
Obviously you can’t cement a spot in the Wallaby backline with just defence. It’s true there are players out there with better hands and maybe a little flashier.
But the likes of Chambers or O’Connor don’t have the strong running, line breaking ability of Horne. For me, Horne is in a class of his own in 13 and it was never clearer than when he outclassed Conrad Smith last Friday.
The only person that is around currently that even comes close is Diggers. But he isn’t a specialist 13 and why force a winger to be a 13?
Time will tell if he becomes one of the greats.
But he surely has to start for the Wallabies with the current crop. I believe he’ll add the finishing ability that’s required to whoever gets picked at 10 and 12. And as for defence, he’s the best we have in the Australian backline.
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- Rob Horne, robbie deans, Rubgy Union, wallabies
May 18th 2010 @ 1:34am
Andy shearer said | May 18th 2010 @ 1:34am | Report comment
Mr Horne?
May 18th 2010 @ 3:37am
Who Needs Melon said | May 18th 2010 @ 3:37am | Report comment
Mrs. Horne?
(i.e. Mum)
Seriously though: He is REALLY putting his hand up now. Just needs to stay healthy.
May 18th 2010 @ 10:02am
aeisler said | May 18th 2010 @ 10:02am | Report comment
lol @ Mrs Horne.
That I am not. I’m just sick and tired of the debate over a position that can only go to one man.
NOTE TO ARU: Forget Gasnier or Ingles, spend more money on Rugby grass roots. We have a 4 possible 13s in O’Connor, AAC, Diggers and Horne!
May 18th 2010 @ 6:27am
bruski said | May 18th 2010 @ 6:27am | Report comment
You are right, either Horne or Digby, also, if AAC were to have a run at 13 he would certainly beat both hands down but fortunatley for them he will be fullback.
Interesting times ahead regarding Wallaby selections indeed.
May 18th 2010 @ 6:46am
mungo said | May 18th 2010 @ 6:46am | Report comment
If Deans wants an aimless kicker he’ll pick AAC at FB, if he wants an attacking player with flair he’ll pick Beale, AAC and Digby on the wings.
May 18th 2010 @ 11:23am
Jason said | May 18th 2010 @ 11:23am | Report comment
What about Mitchell? He’s been Australia’s best winger by far in this years Super 14. I’d go Horne at 13. Ioane & Mitchell on the wings (both our leading tackle busters in Super 14). AAC v Beale for fullback. Tough call as AAC was the Wallabies best back last year but Beale is playing terrific footy. Sorry Kurtley. Not this time but your time will come soon. Poor Hynsie. Had a great year but I can’t find room for him.
May 18th 2010 @ 6:51am
Mike said | May 18th 2010 @ 6:51am | Report comment
Best Aus backline defender I have seen = Tim Horan.
Horne is a terrific defender, he may be a great if he can keep his hamstrings in check.
May be going too far, but Wallaby backs are getting close to a world team again – Seems like we haven’t had one world class player there for ages (maybe Tuqiri/Gits – debatable)
Genia, Mitchell are world team selections for me at the moment.
Ioane would have to be up there (althought Rocococo is in rare form).
Then – Cooper, Horne etc may be on the cusp of worlds best? Quality Aus backline at the moment.
Can’t wait to see them pitched against the best of the NH.
May 18th 2010 @ 10:04am
aeisler said | May 18th 2010 @ 10:04am | Report comment
I did say “possibly ever”. Tim Horan was a gun in every aspect of his game. I think Horne is very Horan-esque…. For instance they both have superb porn names
May 18th 2010 @ 7:00am
Mr Saunders said | May 18th 2010 @ 7:00am | Report comment
AAC is very powerful and a dynamic carrier, but is often lured into contact too easily, and is slightly predictable. Horne is a natural 13 and has greater vision, IMO. Although AAC may prove physically harder to handle from the defensive point of view I suspect that Australia would score more tries with Horne at 13. I also wouldn’t play AAC at 15 either. I do think he is a very good rugby player, but he should try and settle into one position at this stage in his career.
May 18th 2010 @ 8:11am
Dingobob said | May 18th 2010 @ 8:11am | Report comment
I think you will find it hasn’t been his choice to be such a good utility back. AAC has been saying for some time now that he wanted to consolidate his position at fullback but it hasn’t exactly worked out that way.
Unfortunately I think AAC’s place is coming off the bench to cover all of those backline positions. I can’t think of a player who would be more versatile and better at it.
May 19th 2010 @ 9:15pm
Mr Saunders said | May 19th 2010 @ 9:15pm | Report comment
Whose choice it is where he plays is irrelevant. Can’t think of a better utility player? Mmm… Matt Giteau maybe? Personally I don’t think he is such a ‘good’ utility player. He’s a solid 15, and a solid 13, but predictable and ultimately he is not fulfilling his potential.
May 18th 2010 @ 8:08am
Willy said | May 18th 2010 @ 8:08am | Report comment
I think it is time to be bold.
Assuming we can pick a forward eight who will hold their own at scrum and lineout time (and I think we can), Deans should go for a bold and attacking backline.
Horne should be one of the first picked – his defence is outstanding and he offers a constant threat in attack.
I’d also go with Beale at fullback. He has been an absolute revelation since making the move back there, and he has shown more than enough to get a start.
I reckon: Genia, Cooper, Ioane, Giteau, Horne, Mitchell/Hynes, Beale is as tasty a backline I’ve seen in twenty years (since 1991) for the Wallabies.
Get them on the field this year, stick with them, and watch them blossom in New Zealand next year.
May 18th 2010 @ 8:13am
Dingobob said | May 18th 2010 @ 8:13am | Report comment
As long as they get the ball out to them please get the ball out to them
May 18th 2010 @ 11:28am
Jason said | May 18th 2010 @ 11:28am | Report comment
That’s a good backline. I’d pick Mitchell and not Hynes. Hynes has had a very good season but Mitchell has been great.
You know you’ve got a good backline when you can’t find room for Hynes, AAC, O’Connor, Barnes etc
May 18th 2010 @ 9:00am
Hoy said | May 18th 2010 @ 9:00am | Report comment
My only concern with Horne is his body. His body would be the only thing to defeat him.
So many injuries for such a young bloke, mostly leg orientated as well. Once a dodgy hammy…
May 18th 2010 @ 9:09am
jameswm said | May 18th 2010 @ 9:09am | Report comment
Sorry but I’d have Mitchell, Ioane, Turner and even Davies and McCabe ahead of Hynes on the wing. I just don’t think he’s strong or tough enough and the others have done better this season.
Mitchell with his new attitude and upper body stremgth has been a revelation on the wing. I’d pick him ahead of the others – ie first winger picked. He leads the comp in tackle busts!
Ioane has gone off the boil lately (like QCooper). It’s the wrong end of the season to do that. AAC seems too good a footballer to leave out. I’d play him at 15 but tell him to ditch the aimless kicking – 1 or 2 aimless kicks and sub him off for Beale. Make the point. Beale is putting on enormous pressure for fullback and AAC will get first crack but has to be on his toes.
I think Horne is playing too well not to pick at 13. He is a 13 prototype – very quick off the mark, very strong defender who reads it well, strong overall and good hands. I don’t see how Ioane could get picked at 13 ahead of him – he doesn’t read the game as well in defence or have the hands.
I can’t see how room can be found for JOC even on the bench – what a concept
May 18th 2010 @ 10:24am
Willy said | May 18th 2010 @ 10:24am | Report comment
I tend to agree re: Mitchell but I can easily see Deans sticking with Hynes.
Deans has traditionally (all through his Crusaders days) preferred out and out flyers on the wing. And he’s a big Hynes fan.
May 18th 2010 @ 3:03pm
Peter K said | May 18th 2010 @ 3:03pm | Report comment
If thats the case then neither Hynes or Mitchell or Ioane would be the wing.
The 2 fastest (out and out flyers) we have are Davis and Turner.
Mitchell is easily as quick as Hynes IMO.
Yes Deans did start with his fastest BUT then realised since there was not that much in it (until Davis) that he chose Ioane. I can easily see Mitchell picked ahead of Hynes.
May 18th 2010 @ 11:31pm
TommyM said | May 18th 2010 @ 11:31pm | Report comment
JOC will be the Wallabies 12 for 10 years after Gits takes the cash in Europe in 2012
May 20th 2010 @ 2:50pm
Brucy B said | May 20th 2010 @ 2:50pm | Report comment
Jameswm, did you see Cooper’s game on the weekend.
Off the boil, are you serious???
May 18th 2010 @ 9:44am
James D said | May 18th 2010 @ 9:44am | Report comment
Hmm only drawback to Horne is his body cant keep up with his speed and power and he tears his hammy every 4 or 5 games..
Wallabies Backs should be
Genia
Cooper
Mitchell
Giteau (just)
Horne
Ioane
Beale
With the Bench being James O’Connor for the inside backs interchange – AAC as the outside backs interchange and Justin turner as Genia’s replacement (if he is needed).
May 18th 2010 @ 10:05am
Nashi said | May 18th 2010 @ 10:05am | Report comment
James, I am still tempted by playing Gits as a bench reserve for 9/10/12 and putting Barnes in at 12 to start. He is steadier in defence than Gits and knows Coopers play better. With AAC, JOC and Gits on the bench you have some pretty awesome sub options. No problems with the rest of the starters. Alternatively for a tight game you play a 5 forward bench and take JOC out.