Former Wallabies skipper James Horwill has not given up hope of representing the national team beyond this year despite twice missing the boat for World Cup selection.
A shock exclusion from coach Michael Cheika’s original 31-man squad, the former Queensland Reds great has instead commenced training with his new team Harlequins in London, where he has been for the past two weeks.
The 30-year-old was again overlooked following a tournament-ending injury to lock Will Skelton (pectoral), with Cheika instead opting for Sam Carter as a replacement instead.
But with 61 Test caps to his name, Horwill remains eligibility for a Wallabies call-up at any time despite his new overseas base – and he said he still harbours ambitions to pull on the green and gold jersey, should the opportunity ever present itself again.
“It’s always something that I’d love to do,” Horwill told the Reds website.
“If that ever came again, I certainly haven’t ruled out the opportunity to play for my country.
“I love every time I have done that and it’s certainly meant a lot to me.
“My focus is here playing well with ‘Quins and performing well and hopefully winning some silverware here and then we’ll let the other stuff look after itself.”
Horwill said he never got his hopes up about a late call-up when Skelton suffered his injury in last weekend’s win over Uruguay.
“Before the tournament started Cheika had told me who I was covering for essentially and Will wasn’t one of those players, so I had a fair idea that wouldn’t be the case,” Horwill said.
“It’s disappointing for Will that he’s had an injury and had to go home, but it’s great for Sam that he’s got the opportunity to play in a World Cup.
“You’d love the opportunity if one came.”
Horwill tipped his former Wallabies teammates to edge England in this weekend’s blockbuster at Twickenham Stadium, a result which would knock the hosts out of World Cup contention.
“Looking at the way the tournament has gone, I think this will come down to some small margins,” he said.
“Obviously England had the disappointment last week and Australia, I think, have been building very nicely.
“England v Australia is a huge game. I expect (Australia) to get the job done against England.”
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Nah he just comes on and makes bold claims which are constantly thrown back in his face once games occur.
Dave
Guest
On behalf of all Australian fans I'd like to say sorry to James Horwill. Yes you should have been in the original touring side, yes you should have been called up when Palu ( who should never have been selected and is a real blight of Cheikas report card) was finely dispatched the way he came into the squad, injured. We'll miss you on the bench this weekend and you would have made an impact. What falling out with the coach did you have? To see someone of the calibre of Mumms on the bench you must be scratching your head as to what offence you've caused.
Pete
Guest
Horwill never really set the world on fire. A decent lock in a pretty average team (Wobblies). Not sure what his claim to fame would have been on the international scene as Wobblies have had such little success over the last decade. Probably best remember as a really solid Super Rugby player, where his leadership did reap some rewards.
Woodsman
Roar Rookie
Either that, or they actually watched the RC this year.
Roberts
Guest
Squirrel do you even watch rugby. Horwill is a former captain of the wallabies. He has experience in the big games and will provide essential leadership. He had also upped his game and has found some form. Cheika won't select him, Arnold will be next... Such a shame as this would surely have been his last World Cup!
44bottles
Roar Guru
I always thought of it as Simmons-Mumm and Douglas-Skelton as the 1st and 2nd choices for the lineout-type lock and the more powerful lock (at least that seems to be what Cheika is doing). Then I thought he would've had Carter and Horwill as the respective 3rd choices. Really suprised that Carter went in instead of Horwill.
DJM
Guest
Horwill is lazy liability in defence when posting/pillaring around rucks these days . 60 odd test matches ... brilliant servant to Wallabies although his International career should be over . -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
niwdEyaJ
Roar Guru
In theory yes, in practice not so much...
PeterK
Roar Guru
I wonder who Horwill is covering, it must be Douglas since Carter is a like for like with Simmons, and Mumm covers 6/lock which Horwill does not, I imagine Dennis is the cover for Mumm.
PeterK
Roar Guru
Douglas is more of an enforcer and mover of bodies than Horwill
marto
Guest
CARTER is a waste of 108 kilos.. Blokes a plodder and a powder puff..
niwdEyaJ
Roar Guru
Ridiculous decision to call up Carter ahead of Horwill... Frankly Horwill should have been ahead of Douglas as well... I don't buy the argument that "Cheika wants an 'enforcer' type to partner with Simmons and that is why he went with Douglas". That argument would only make sense if Douglas was an enforcer and he simply isn't...
john
Roar Rookie
Yes very disappointing for Horwill and also diminishes the Wallabies chance of bringing home the cup.Horwill must have upset Cheika somehow.There are locks in the squad well behind Horwill in ability and experience.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Cheika will probably see what Steve Cutler is doing before he brings Horwill into the squad.