Anthony Fainga’a is in line to replace Rob Horne in Australia’s starting line-up for Saturday’s (Sunday AM AEDT) Test against Wales in Cardiff.
Outside centre Horne pulled up with hamstring tightness at Thursday’s training session outside of Swansea.
Fainga’a is expected to be elevated off the bench with halfback Nick Phipps coming onto the bench.
Horne, 22, will be given until Friday morning to prove his fitness but it is unlikely the Wallabies will risk him considering his history of hamstring problems.
“Rob Horne finished training today a bit tight so there is a possibility that he might not be able to take his place,” Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said.
Horne’s career has been punctuated by injuries.
He was dogged by hamstring problems early on and elbow troubles have stifled his progress in recent times.
The NSW Waratahs player had looked like he was cementing his place in the national team following some good showings at the World Cup.
He played on and scored a try with a broken cheekbone in Australia’s group win over the USA.
He also put in a strong 71-minute performance, after coming on for Kurtley Beale, in Australia’s 21-18 win over Wales in the World Cup bronze medal match.
James Harris
Guest
Sorry Pal but its true, he is just a poorer version of MCabe.
formeropenside
Guest
Obvioulsy you missed the entire Super season.
James Harris
Guest
Anthony Faingaa=the most boring rugby player ever.
Osama bin Lockie
Guest
Roarers, I know this isn't in line with this post but if you are pleased that SBS is broadcasting the Wallabies v Wales game why not let SBS. Email them at comments@sbs.com.au
B-Rock
Roar Guru
A bit tough on Horne to put him in the same boat with McCalman. McCalman has had his chance and is clearly not good enough. Horne has had a mountain of injuries yet still showed a heap of potential in limited opportunities. Say what you will about Deans (and we all have) but he is great at unearthing and developing talent, particularly in the backs. We also have very little depth at 13 after AAC - Horne is head and shoulders above the other candidates, when fit of course As p.Tah says below, there has to be something going on with the training/prep for games given the injury toll, not just with Horne, but across the squad.
Justin
Guest
Thats a great point PT - that is a lot of players with similar complaints. If it were an AFL club there would be some serious analysis of the causes.
Wylie
Guest
He's the new Brett Papworth.
The Other Reds Fan.
Guest
I wish they'd put on Tapuai instead of Faingaa. But c'mon, how many times can you get injured? Do you want to play or not? Seriously. Is he related to Shane Watson the cricketer?
Mike
Guest
He was looking like one of our better prospects at 13, although he is no Mortlock.
p.Tah
Guest
How many Wallabies have had Hamstring injuries/tightness recently? Elsom, Palu, Beale, O'Connor, Mitchell and now Horne. What are they doing at training?
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
Sadly some guys are beset with injury that blight their careers and Horne is one of these. When you're constantly injured especially with hamstrings there is usually some technical issues that have to be addressed. Horne would be wise to go home and seek some advice on his running style etc. Speaking without emotion he is a liability to the side in his present condition as he cannot be relied upon to put a series of performances together without being injured, therefore continuity is not achieved with the team. Ant Faingaa will fill in for him and acquit himself well so there is no problem there IMO. I'll be more interested to see how the forwards go, if they are not quite up to it, there will be pressure on O'Connor and then we might see just what he is made of.
formeropenside
Guest
I think a better way of putting it is that the odd rugby game has punctuated his succession of injuries. Also, hugely overrated. Why Deans persists with him, and McCalman, is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.
Ricco
Guest
Deadest the unluckiest bloke to have ever put on a wallabies jersey! Really want to see him flourish hopefully a good session on the physio table will sort him out! -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Red Kev
Guest
Horne is injured??? No! Surely not.