The strength of his defence has drawn comparisons with former Australian star Jason Little, and NSW centre Rob Horne is hoping he can tackle his way into a World Cup jersey.
The 21-year-old broke through for his Wallabies debut last year, but injuries haven’t allowed him to establish himself in Robbie Deans’ set-up.
Horne’s defensive efforts against Melbourne and Queensland in the first two matches of the Super Rugby season are even more impressive when you consider he was in doubt for the opening weeks of the year with an elbow injury.
But instead of easing his way back into it, Horne has thrown himself into the tackle and has been a key link in a Waratahs defence which hasn’t conceded a try so far this Super season.
The Oatley local junior said he worked overtime to get himself fit for the start of the season and embraced the brutal physical contest with the Reds on Saturday night.
The Wallabies know what they’re going to get from the Tahs’ No.13, and depending on what Deans wants in his outside centre, Horne says he’ll be doing everything he can to be in the frame.
“I guess the national selectors know the type of game I play,” he said.
“If that’s going to fit into their plans than that’s the way it is.
“But if we (Waratahs) keep winning as a team and keep performing like we did (on Saturday night), then all that kind of stuff works itself out.”
Standing at 186cm and weighing 90kg, Horne uses his body effectively and can get in the face of his opposite.
Horne said he loves the physical contest and was never going to hold back against the Reds, despite the elbow problem he recently had.
“Defence is one aspect of any centre’s game and I think as a unit we’re defending pretty well,” he said.
“We haven’t conceded a try in two Super games which is a pretty big feat considering the amount of talent that’s in the team.
“I ticked all the boxes that were necessary plus some to … prove the fitness and that the elbow was alright.
“I’m glad I did that because so far so good.
“In these derbies you can’t go out there second guessing yourself physically … you get a bit of confidence out of getting through a physical game like that, it feels good.”
PubLunch
Guest
Horne at 12 for the Wallabies IMHO. He won't back down in defence against the likes of Nonu et al. He runs straight and hard. It would be great if we had a Nonu or a big blustering runner, but the fact is we don't. Carter is getting better... but still a number of question marks. Horne has the acceleration, defence and hits the line straight (with the ability to jink as well)... certainly could do worse. He's like a smaller Nathan Grey... and let's not forget still very young.
CraigB
Roar Guru
I'm with you HOy. Solid defender but not much else on offer
Mik
Guest
Very good attacker and excellent defender. Hard to be a Wallaby standout with only a handfull of game minutes with teammates. His injuries may be a problem though.
Hoy
Roar Guru
He just hasn't impressed me at Wallaby level. In fact, I am yet to see what the rave is about. I was expecting to see something fantastic the first time I watched him, but I still haven't been really impressed with him.
thewoodster
Guest
I must admit he had a good game and on top of that it wasnt a dull game. Lets see if he has the mr consistency box ticked.
Justin
Guest
Much prefer a runner with some decent passing skills then the other way around when you have someone like Cooper at 10.
snowman
Roar Rookie
Is he your brother?
PeterK
Roar Guru
I would have him at 12, then he can cover Cooper in defence better than Barnes, since he is a lot quicker. That is if we want a runner rather playmaker at 12.
Aaron
Guest
He is an amazing defender. I think it's his speed that allows him to get into such good position to defend. Most times he pushes them to the outside then closes them down like a predator methodically tracking down his prey....it's very impressive and very consistent. I actually think that we haven't seen the best of Rob Horne yet. He has suffered at the hands of Beale at No.10 in his Debut year and more recently Carter at No. 12. Whenever he plays with great passing players such as Quade or Barnes you really see Horne's strengths - he runs fantastic lines. He just seems to have a good sense of which line to take. He also has a great % rate if getting over the advantage line with his hit ups, punching well above his weight. I think he's gotta be our starting No.13 or 12. Our Wallaby team needs somone to straigten up the attack at speed.