Former Wallabies skipper James Horwill was honeymooning in Mykonos, convinced his Test days were over when a shock call from Michael Cheika revived his international career.
Left shattered after his exclusion from last year’s World Cup squad, Horwill is back in green and gold and appears to be a good chance of a starting berth for the first Test against England on June 11 in Brisbane.
Horwill insists he never gave up hope, but said he was a “realist” who could read the writing on the wall – after solid campaigns from Australia’s locks at the World Cup, and following his move to English club Harlequins, his time as a Wallaby was probably done.
That feeling became entrenched when coach Michael Cheika advised earlier in the year that he was unlikely to call upon any European-based players for the June international window, prompting Horwill to book a belated honeymoon with his wife on the Greek island.
But things can change quickly in rugby, and soon Horwill’s phone was ringing with the call he thought he’d never take.
“You always have hope and want to play for your country, but I was a realist and understood it was probably time,” Horwill said.
“The guys at the World Cup played really well and deserved to be there, it was just a different opportunity and my focuses were with Harlequins.
“I’m just thrilled to be back and really looking forward to it.”
Horwill is one of only two overseas-based players in the 39-man Wallabies training squad, along with Sekope Kepu, while Leroy Houston and Taqele Naiyaravoro signed contracts with Super Rugby clubs to become immediately eligible for selection.
He has been in good form in the Premiership and his inside knowledge of English rugby, with six Harlequins teammates in Eddie Jones’ touring party, means he will provide more than just his on-field contribution.
“I’m new over there but they were quite down on what was going on and they got smashed from pillar to post in the press for their early World Cup exit,” Horwill said.
“They were down on confidence, there’s no doubting that. Eddie’s been able to install that confidence and belief in what they’re doing.”
bazza
Guest
Wallabies need toughness and mongrel in the tight at lock, not speed , Leave that for the wingers Hooper Horne etc etc That`s why Mumm and Carter wont be in the 23 ( SOFT)
Squirrel
Guest
If you want speed Horwill is your man. Slow as a snail.
CUW
Guest
news is that Highlander MARK REDDISH will replace Horwill at the quins.
ScrumJunkie
Guest
I don't share you're concerns. If certain players were playing better the Reds wouldn't even look at Houston. If Neville could catch a football he'd have something to whine about. Seriously, comparing Neville to Horwill? That's ludicrous.
concerned supporter
Guest
Horwill was nicknamed "Trampoline Man" Mumm was ordinary save for last week against the Chiefs. Instead of his usual running from ruck to ruck and leaning on each one, he actually made some big hits and even made effective runs. How wonderful.
Cynical Play
Guest
I share your concerns JJ. If you bring Horwill back you are going to have to play him sometime, otherwise it would be disingenuous. I see no point in picking him. We have locks to pick that are playing SR and offer as much if not more. I was never as fond of Horwill as others. i admired his ticker and work-rate (most of the time), but he offered little by way of ball play. Maybe Cheika wants to use him as a rapid dog with a last sniff of the bone for a match or two. But I think it's going backwards when the new WBs should build with the young locks.
bazza
Guest
As long as he doesn't choose Kane Douglas for the RC, ill be happy either way
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Mumm was never good here so expecting him to "regain" his form was odd logic. There was nothing to regain!
cuw
Guest
for once i agree with u Train Without A Station :P Horwill and Higginbotham shud have been in the world cup squad and starting . both were in very good form and would have made a big change to wallaby pack. however, this year i wonder if Horwill will adjust to the style of play coming straight from england for tests. same happened to Mumm , good in europe but crap with auzzy.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
I think it was the wrong selection. Even with Simmons out the Reds had the better line out when Horwill ran it and Horwill stole more line out ball than Simmons. But 2016 is the time to look at new talent though. Especially as Horwill is a year older and based overseas playing in a different competition.
PeterK
Roar Guru
no starting locks Simmons and Coleman, bench lock Arnold (or swap Coleman and Arnold on who starts).
PeterK
Roar Guru
Agree Mumm and Carter were poor and continue to be poor. Carter is supposedly better at running the lineout than Horwill though and is the replacement for simmons.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Should have been used over Mumm and Carter last year. Played better in the Rugby Championship and had the set piece prowess you want. This year I'd be looking beyond him though.
Ken Cathpole's Other Leg
Guest
Cmon Peter, give him some splinters at least?
PeterK
Roar Guru
I do not want him to make the team. He has been a long time stalwart however he is a lot slower than Coleman and Arnold. They are as good in the air as Horwill and better ball runners and play in tight. Time for new blood to get a go.
Johnny J-Dog
Guest
I can't help but think that some selections are disingenuously designed to give players a false impression about their chances of playing for Australia so as to keep them here (or bring them back to Australia) or to deter NH clubs from signing Australian players in future, hence an unnecessarily large squad of 39. How do Timu, Schatz and Browning feel about the return of Houston to the Reds? How does Caydern Neville feel about Horwill's selection in the squad? I fear that the unintended consequence is that otherwise loyal fringe players like Neville will go overseas if trumped by returning players who make their chances of playing for Australia even more difficult. Many of these returning players are at the back-end of their careers and if they truly wanted to play for the Wallabies, they'd be here already. I appreciate what Cheika and the ARU may be trying to do, but have they thought about the downside?
Brisbane Boys
Guest
Check Out the Quinns site he played 22 games for them this season for a total of 1607 minutes that is about 70 odd minutes per game. He is obviously having a great season. I think he will be awesome if he is fit enough.