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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.
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.