James Horwill: Wales play into Wallaby hands
Australia have defeated Wales on 10 successive occasions stretching back to November 2009 and Horwill, gutted not have been selected for this tournament, is backing Michael Cheika‘s men to extend that run.
Horwill, right, who has tasted victory on all five occasions he has played against the Welsh, told TRP: “It’s hard to say why we’ve had the wood over Wales, but both sides play a fairly expansive game which helps the way we play. The ball’s in play a lot, we like to play with ball in hand and the Welsh, certainly in the past, have played that way as well. It’s a style we’re comfortable with so that might explain our record against them.
“I think Australia are building nicely and they’ve got some real class players playing good footy. I’m expecting them to get the job done and reach the quarters.”
Horwill linked up with new club Harlequins three weeks ago, making a try-scoring debut against London Irish last Saturday at the Stoop. He concedes he would rather be with the Wallabies, though: “I was very disappointed not to be picked. I wanted to be part of the World Cup.
“But the fact I was coming to a new club and environment made it a bit easier to take. I was excited about joining Quins so being able to get stuck in here gave me a focus to take my mind off my non-selection.”
Horwill might have been called-up when giant lock Will Skelton was forced out through injury last week, but Sam Carter got the nod.
“I knew Sam would go in if Will went down because Michael made it clear before the tournament which players I was covering,” he said.
“Hopefully, the guys playing will all stay fit because you don’t want anyone to be injured, but the fact I’m so close means I’m ready if needed.”
Horwill has been signed by Quins to add ballast to a scrum that has gone backwards since the retirement of Olly Kohn in 2013.
He explained: “The group has some great players who have talent to succeed, but they needed a lock and I had a desire to come to a club like this.
“I already knew about the history and some of the great players who’ve played here, so when I decided to leave Australia it was up there as first choice.
“There’s a good set-up, with great training pitches, top-class gym and access to excellent University facilities, so there’s a lot going for this club.”
Horwill, 30, has signed for three years but is open-minded about a longer stay.
He added: “I definitely haven’t put a time limit on my stay. Having a British passport through my mum helps so we’ll see.
“I’ll look to immerse myself in the rugby culture here and living in London will be another big life experience as well. It’s all new to me, so we’ll look to build something and we’re going out to win.”
NEALE HARVEY
