1
'It took him a while to show his worth': Wallabies No 10's big chance
By AAP
Tim Horan has challenged the Wallabies to match France's fearless approach when they meet in Brisbane in Australia's first Test outing of the year this week.
A French squad featuring 21 uncapped players has been quarantining in Sydney for the last fortnight ahead of a quick-fire, three-Test series beginning at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday.
France's depth will be tested without their biggest names - those playing in the domestic Top 14 final weren't selected - but Horan is wary of a country that's won the last two under-20 World Cups and in his eyes rediscovered their rugby identity.
"For 10 years the French lost their way; their passion, offloads and willingness to spread the ball wide," Horan said. "I think this young team has no fear.
"They're going to be unpredictable, show some passion and play an open, expansive style of rugby and it's going to be really exciting to watch."
With James O'Connor (groin) likely sidelined, Horan hopes Australia's young playmaking hope Noah Lolesio is handed the reins to set the tone after a forgettable debut against the All Blacks last year.
"He's really come out of his shell, it took him a while to show his worth in the game," Horan said of the Brumbies' No 10.
"I think now he's got a lot of respect amongst his teammates."
Horan said utility back Reece Hodge should be part of the bench, with Matt Toomua the right choice in the No 12 alongside Lolesio.
Elsewhere he expects Rennie to opt for experience in the first of what could be a 14-test season.
"They need to put down a big marker in this first test ... need to play with no fear as well, you can't be running out and being shy," he said.
"This French team, they'll make the semi-final at the World Cup in two year's time and the Wallabies have got to be with them.
"And the Wallabies have some work to do (to be there); I think Dave Rennie knows that."
Horan was speaking at the launch of Rugby Australia's Back our Bid campaign, which encourages fans to support Australia's bid to host Rugby World Cup 2027.
- Murray Wenzel
Trending on RugbyPass
2
'Ugly and horrible': Mark McCall reacts to humbling Saracens' loss
3
Rampant Bath blow away 14-man Saracens
4
POTM Ben Curry peeved at post-match question
5
Latest Comments
That is a matter of players style of play. Will Jordan's strength is his running . He has been absolutely deadly for the the Crusaders in that position. Especially in years 2021-23. Foster subsequently then Razor put him on the wing. Scored heaps of tries, but as he showed in one test against Australia this year , he scored a try running from the back, that was amazing. That was after Robertson finally put him at 15 because Beauden was injured. Thankfully there Will remained. Speaking of Beauden and kicking. He kicks too much, waywardly as well. Handing the ball back to the opposition. He is an impact player at best.
Go to commentsYet Ethan Blackadder was one of our best against the World Champion Springbok. When he came back to the Crusaders later in the season , he made a huge difference, ( a long with others like Codie Taylor), we nearly made the Play Off's. Ethan has plenty of rugby left in him. His family , Dad Todd Blackadder must be very [proud of him. Todd Blackadder was a 3 time champion captain of the Crusaders, '98, '99 and 2000.An icon in this area. Also twice captain of Canterbury , '97 and 2001 when we won the NPC and Ranfurly Shield winning captain in 2000.
Go to comments