Young gun David Horwitz is embracing the challenge of filling Kurtley Beale’s sizeable boots as the NSW Waratahs face life without the England-bound playmaker much sooner than they hoped.
The Waratahs on Sunday were awaiting confirmation Beale would miss the rest of the 2016 Super Rugby season after suffering a serious knee injury in Saturday night’s 31-8 win over the Bulls in Sydney.
The setback is also a major blow for the Wallabies and halfback Nick Phipps admits it will be difficult for the shellshocked Waratahs to move on from losing their spiritual leader.
“He’s such a charismatic player. There’s a lot of great players around the world but they don’t really have that aura around them around the club,” Phipps said.
“He’s the one who picks you up when you’re down. He’s always happy having a laugh and his rugby mind is second to none.
“He’s really tough to replace.”
In fact, NSW captain Michael Hooper admitted on Friday when news filtered through the team ranks that Beale was heading to Wasps on a multi-million-dollar deal that it would be impossible to replace the Wallabies star.
But Hooper and Phipps are backing 21-year-old Horwitz to fill the midfield breach between Wallabies five-eighth Bernard Foley and superstar centre Israel Folau.
The former Australian under-20s representative – a natural five-eighth and second ball player in the same style if not class as Beale – impressed coach Daryl Gibson sufficiently enough when deputising for 79 minutes against the Bulls to likely to start against the Crusaders on Friday.
“Dave Horwitz has just got to grab it now,” Phipps said.
“There’s no excuse. He’s just got to have that confidence in himself to grab that 12 jersey knowing full well that he was probably the incumbent for the next year as well.
“It’s just a little bit earlier for him. So he’ll be right, the big fella. He’s got some good blokes around him. In between Izzy and (Foley) isn’t too bad.
“I’m sure he’ll definitely step up to the plate. We’ve got a lot of faith in him.”
Horwitz started the first three games of the season when Foley was out injured and says that background will be vital.
“I was really happy I was thrown in the deep end early rather then being nursed through the bench,” said the Super Rugby rookie.
“Now later in the season when there are a few injuries if I get the responsibility of starting, at least it’s definitely put me in good stead.”
The Waratahs travel to Christchurch having climbed to the top of the Australian conference with a game in hand over the Brumbies – who have a bye this week – following their bonus-point win over the Bulls.
Magic Sponge
Guest
Grab Hayne , I hope Hayne though decides to stay with the Fijians and take them to the semi finals and beyond in the next world cup. How good would that be,
John R
Roar Guru
The last time the Wallabies played their run on 15 contained: 3 Reds 5 Waratahs 5 Brumbies 2 Toulon 0 Rebels 0 Force The matchday 23 contained 5 Reds 9 Waratahs 6 Brumbies 1 Forece 2 Toulon 0 Rebels So the Rebels had no representation in the matchday 23, despite finishing third in the Australian conference in that year's super rugby tournament. So maybe you should start waving your conspiracy flag on behalf of the good folk of Victoria? Oh, but wait, that doesn't fit your agenda does it? The fact that the reds made up 20% of the starting lineup, despite finishing 13th in Super Rugby proves that there is no bias. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLCJWdAUS4c
ken
Guest
He has already played for the WALLABIES, so i wouldn`t see him being a bolter mate, anyway if he becoames a RED he will not get selected..If he did ,then he`d be the biggest bolter of all time ....
PeterK
Roar Guru
Beale brings Folau into a game more often than Foley Foley by himself struggles in playmaking, but is great in support and good at running the ball,
Rebel
Guest
Leroy Houston as a Wallaby bolter.
Squirrel
Guest
Anyone but Beale
ken
Guest
Agree, i`d have him starting with PALU on the bench..
George
Guest
What is so good about Beale - I just don't rate him. I feel his pain with the injury but the offer made by Wasps is just ridiculous & way way to high for such a player. Anyway now is the chance for Horwitz to shine.
Daveski
Guest
I'm not sure I understand the Foley is unable to bring Folau into the game comment? Off the top of my head his inside pass to Izzy that led to a break and Phipps second try is but one example. I'd look at Harry Jones or even Clunies-Ross for a wing spot. They are talented and Kellaway, Robertson, Holloway have shown young talent can handle the Super rugby standard. That said it is a tough bunch of games coming up to initiate more young players into.
PeterK
Roar Guru
and Holloway
PeterK
Roar Guru
Guildford is NOT injured, he is playing shute shield for west harbour. TN is back after the june tests. Options Folau, Horne, Carraro at 12 or 13 Carraro was on the wing to defend at 12 when Horne was out injured. I would not use Carraro on the wing. Horwitz at 12 Guildford, Horne, Robinson, Kellaway on the wing Folau , Kellaway at 15. My preferred choice is to have Horne make Nadolo on the wing. Kellaway has been ok to good at f/b better than on the wing. Robinson has been poor. Carraro has been good when given the opportunity. Foley is not able to bring Folau into the game. So if Carraro plays 12 Folau has to go t 15. If Folau plays 13 Horwitz has to be 12. The main choices I see are 11 Guildford 12 Horwitz 13 Folau 14 Horne 15 Kellaway 11 Guildford 12 Carraro 13 Horne 14 Kellaway 15 Folau Option 1 seems a lot stronger
Paul
Guest
Warriors are in the semi this weekend I think for Pro12, finals aren't wrapped up till end of May so he won't be back till after the June break at the earliest. Zac Guilford is fit, has being playing for West Harbour
Markus
Guest
Horne would be good to try at centre, but if anything the Tahs have a severe shortage of wingers. Guildford injured, Horne and Carraro are centres filling a gap, Robinson would likely be dropped if there was anyone else available. Is Naiyaravoro back soon?
Jason
Guest
Horowitz Kellaway and Robertson... Wallaby Bolters
Ken Cathpole's Other Leg
Guest
Horne or Hooper in defence anyway.
Cynical Play
Guest
Spot on. Horne or Hoops.
concerned supporter
Guest
Horwitz's passing game so far has been poor. Improvement is a must.
cs
Roar Guru
Maybe Horwitz will be the goods, and I sure hope so, but the hole he needs to fill is hellishly big. I'd like to see a little more thought go into the position, maybe Horne, who would bring something very different to 12, and we have plenty of wingers. Or maybe it's time to give Hoops a shot, who could be a revelation. We need a star in the spot if we're to make a mark on the season, not someone on work experience.