Rugby Australia announce $9.2m deficit, board member fails to be re-elected but coup falls over
Six months after the Wallabies’ worst World Cup result, Rugby Australia has announced a $9.2 million deficit from the 2023 season. The Roar can…
Former Wallabies skipper James Horwill knows what he must improve but will play to his strengths in his audition for a cherished Test recall on Sunday.
Horwill will line up for his first match in six weeks when he makes his National Rugby Championship debut in Perth, trying to prove he still has the muscle and punch to play for Australia.
Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie, who overlooked the 29-year-old for this month’s two Bledisloe Tests, has granted the second-rower 40 minutes of time for Brisbane City against Perth Spirit.
“I haven’t played for six weeks now so it’s good to have this competition available,” Horwill said. “It will be good to get stuck in and just enjoy it.”
“It’s always frustrating not playing.”
While McKenzie preferred Sam Carter to start at lock alongside lineout caller Rob Simmons, and also went with giant Will Skelton on the bench, Horwill is well in the mix to leapfrog both to start against South Africa on September 6.
The Queensland Reds’ skipper, hindered by a serious hamstring injury over the past two years, kept the areas he needed to improve to himself.
“We’ve had ongoing discussions with Ewen and the coaching staff and they’re minor things,” he said. “I’m pretty clear what they are looking for and what they want.
“I just have to go out and play my game and use my strengths and try and be someone else and play someone else’s game.”
McKenzie praised Horwill’s attitude and training ethic since being dropped and said a 40-minute blow-out were in his best interests for a possible Test return.
His big 117kg frame and expert maul defence would be key assets against the physical Springboks’ pack at Patersons Stadium, especially after the Wallabies were outmuscled 51-20 by the All Blacks.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
Six months after the Wallabies’ worst World Cup result, Rugby Australia has announced a $9.2 million deficit from the 2023 season. The Roar can…
In 15 minutes, Tim Ryan didn’t just put a smile on Joe Schmidt’s face, he announced himself to the Australian public by scoring a…
Written off ahead of the weekend in several quarters, the Crusaders have responded with full vengeance after smashing the fourth-placed Rebels 39-0 in an…
Ned Hanigan is one of the in-form forwards in Australian rugby who looks set to finally turn promise into quality on the international stage,…
As calls grow for the entire Rugby Australia board to be overthrown, new chairman Daniel Herbert described the agitators behind the movement as hypocrites…
Three things in the world of rugby have caught my eye this week, and got me thinking very hard about the way forward, and…