Rob Horne feels a sense of satisfaction more than relief after earning a Test recall following a year-long exile under Ewen McKenzie’s reign as Wallabies coach.
Horne earned all 15 of his Test caps under McKenzie’s predecessor Robbie Deans but had been on the outer until his call up for Saturday’s series finale with France in Sydney.
The rugged outside back played in all three matches against the touring British and Irish Lions last year, but has had to wait 15 Tests into McKenzie’s tenure for a look-in from the coach who introduced him to Super Rugby as an 18-year-old.
Horne admits McKenzie’s tough love has been a blessing.
“Missing out when ‘Link’ came in as the new coach and then missing out on his initial extended squad (this year), that sent me a bit of a message in itself,” Horne told AAP on Wednesday.
“I knew I had to go away and work harder than I ever had. Everyone says it, but that’s the only way you can improve.
“I busted myself in pre-season when the Wallaby guys were away on the spring tour (last November).
“I was at NSW during the pre-season just slogging it out to put myself in a position where I could physically go out and do what I wanted to do every week.
“That’s all my focus has been on all year – every week going out and giving it my all and see what happens.”
What’s happened is Horne has developed into a valuable utility, with his successful move from the centres to the wing at the NSW Waratahs adding to his versatility.
“It’s definitely why I’ve been named on the bench this weekend,” he said.
“As a bench player, you cover different positions and that’s allowed me to be presented with this opportunity.
“I’m just real ecstatic to firstly be back into the squad.
“Now it’s up to me to go out there and take that opportunity.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
Six months after the Wallabies’ worst World Cup result, Rugby Australia has announced a $9.2 million deficit from the 2023 season. The Roar can…
In 15 minutes, Tim Ryan didn’t just put a smile on Joe Schmidt’s face, he announced himself to the Australian public by scoring a…
Written off ahead of the weekend in several quarters, the Crusaders have responded with full vengeance after smashing the fourth-placed Rebels 39-0 in an…
Ned Hanigan is one of the in-form forwards in Australian rugby who looks set to finally turn promise into quality on the international stage,…
As calls grow for the entire Rugby Australia board to be overthrown, new chairman Daniel Herbert described the agitators behind the movement as hypocrites…
Three things in the world of rugby have caught my eye this week, and got me thinking very hard about the way forward, and…
