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.”
linz22
Guest
Just because he has not played there does not automatically exclude that option. He already defends there, so it’s not that big a leap.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
About as much as Beales played wing.
Chivas
Guest
Has Phipps played fullback?
ROD
Guest
Proper Team for THE RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP 1. James Slipper (vc) 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau 3. Sekope Kepu 4. Rob Simmons 5. James Horwill 6. Scott Fardy 7. Michael Hooper (c) 8. Wycliff Palu 9. Nic White 10. Bernard Foley 11. Nick Cummins 12. Matt Toomua 13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (vc) 14. Kurtley Beale 15. Israel Folau Replacements: 16 James Hanson 17. Scott Sio 18. Liam Gill 19. Will Skelton 20. Scott Higginbotham 21. Nick Phipps 22. Tevita Kuridrani 23. Rob Horne
Who Needs Melon
Roar Guru
Jeez Beale looked zippy when he came on on the weekend. Shame we didn't make more use of it. Beale has his cons but I think he is great to have on the bench. He can come straight on for any of the back 3. He can also play 10 and 12. If Kuridrani is injured or falling asleep on field then you can move AAC to 13 and Beale to the wing. With Toomua also able to play 10 I think we have a potentially really good set of backs and aren't up s**t creek no matter who is injured.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
It makes as much sense as using Phipps fullback imo.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Sigh
Linz22
Guest
Yep I think that makes the most sense.
PeterK
Guest
Agree, he does have very fast acceleration over the first 20-30 metres and hence beats a lot of players on the outside, just lacks top end speed. IMO Beale is the fastest in the Wallaby squad and should start on the wing.
PeterK
Guest
agree I would like to see him at 12 and Beale as a roving wing.
Who Needs Melon
Guest
Agreed. He's been in the form of his life this season. Did I read a stat that he hasn't missed a tackle all year? And while he may not have the top-speed pace or step some might want in a winger, he is versatile (11 thru 14?) and hungry for work and the ball. Pretty valuable player to have on the bench.
El Gamba
Roar Guru
I agree, and he has looked excellent this year at the tahs. Great attitude.
linz22
Guest
Having watched Horne all season, i am very glad to see him get another go for the Wallabies. Now if only he could get another go at centre for the Waratahs.
pick & go..!!
Guest
I'm glad Horne is finally rewarded for his hard work, & his form at the Tahs has been outstanding. He is showing that he is not only a strong defender but also a strong ball carrier. I have always liked his aggressive approach to his game. He is a player that I have always thought had potential to play at test level, but through injuries & form has not had the consistency that is needed. I hope Horne stays injury free.