Milestone man James Horwill says he could never play against Queensland Reds

MILESTONE man James Horwill’s promise to never play Super Rugby against his home state guarantees he will be a Red for life.

Reds captain James Horwill joins an exclusive club when he passes the 100-game milestone

MILESTONE man James Horwill’s promise to never play Super Rugby against his home state guarantees he will be a Red for life.

Where he started from in dysfunctional Queensland teams is an insight into why the depth of Horwill’s commitment is so strong.

“When I mentioned I played for the Reds in my early seasons, people almost snickered at you,” the nine-season stalwart said.

“To now be playing my 100th game as a part of a Reds team that the state respects every time we play is the special part for me.”

The regular hurt of those easybeat years (2006-09) is the force within Horwill to make sure the Reds are never an afterthought again.

It’s why Horwill is demanding the real Reds surface on Saturday against the Hurricanes in chilly Wellington to stay alive as a title factor.

Treasuring the ball more in attack and smothering defence to stall dangerous Hurricanes backs Alapati Leiua and Julian Savea will play a big part in that.

“The Hurricanes have players who can produce freaky things. No dropped pill for them, no fractured defence ... we have to be spot on,” Horwill said.

James Horwill will play his 100th game for the Reds.

Few realise that his first 50 games, until the end of 2009, stuttered along at a dire success rate of 25 per cent when some teammates didn’t know there was a Reds song to sing so scarce were wins.

“It does mean a lot to me as a person to play 100 games for one team.” Horwill said.

“I’ve never really looked anywhere else and I promise you I could never play Super Rugby against the Reds.”

Horwill is signed with Queensland to the end of next year when a new contract or playing abroad post-World Cup will be his options.

Former All Blacks titan Brad Thorn is the lock he most admires.

“I respect that he always plays it hard and keeps fronting up,” Horwill said.

“I’ll never forget being on the field at Suncorp Stadium after the 2011 Super Rugby final win and a few words with Brad.

“He’d just lost a big final but was almost happy the Reds won as an old Queensland boy. He has such genuine feelings.”

In a wonderful touch, permission has been granted for Horwill and Hurricanes captain Conrad Smith to link when the teams are lined up before kick-off.

It is a perfect Australia-New Zealand union to honour the Anzac Day round.

Smith visited Gallipoli with his wife in 2012 so he has a strong sense of the Anzac tradition.

Smith is a perfect model of outside centre for Queensland’s Ben Tapuai to aspire to with the odd telling linebreak, excellent link work with his backs and great running lines in support.