Rugby World Cup: James Horwill has unfinished business to attend to

AFTER one of his best Test cameos, former Wallabies skipper James Horwill declared he is determined to bow out with World Cup glory.

Wallabies player James Horwill (centre) with possession during the Rugby Championship test match between the Australian Wallabies and South African Springboks at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane Saturday, July 18, 2015. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

AFTER one of his best Test cameos, former Wallabies skipper James Horwill declared he is determined to bow out with World Cup glory having endured a frustrating past four years.

“I’ve certainly had to learn a lot, rugby can be a bit of a weird game at times,” Horwill said.

Only one active player who captained a nation ranked in the world’s top seven at the last World Cup no longer holds the leadership tag; Horwill.

In fact, Horwill is battling to win a spot in this year’s World Cup squad while his peers Richie McCaw, Paul O’Connell, Sam Warburton and Thierry Dusautoir are guaranteed to lead their teams into battle once more.

The other two skippers from the 2011 tournament, South Africa’s John Smit and England’s Lewis Moody both retired after failure in New Zealand.

It is much a reflection of Australia’s chaotic past four years as it is Horwill’s form.

In that time coach Robbie Deans was sacked, replacement Ewen McKenzie sensationally resigned and Michael Cheika was elevated to the position with 11 months to plan a World Cup campaign.

Also in that time, Will Genia, David Pocock, Ben Mowen and Michael Hooper all held the Test captaincy before Cheika settled on Stephen Moore to lead his World Cup charge three weeks ago.

But while many had dismissed Horwill’s claims for a World Cup spot two months ago when he and the Reds were struggling in most departments, the 30-year-old sent a timely reminder of his strengths last Saturday against South Africa.

Horwill replaced Skelton in the 50th minute, and in just half an hour he managed to make more run metres (44) than every starting Wallaby forward bar Scott Fardy.

“It was disappointing that as a team the Reds didn’t finish the year as we would have liked,” Horwill said.

“There are no excuses on my behalf. I didn’t feel like I was playing to my full capabilities.

“I was happy with the impact I made on the weekend, and hopefully I get another opportunity this week against Argentina.

“I wanted to help the team out as much as possible last weekend, that’s my job coming off the bench.

“Obviously I haven’t been super happy with the way I played during the Super Rugby season, and I just wanted to repay the faith in my selection and help the team get a win.

“I was happy with the way I played personally but the guys who started laid the platform.

James Horwill (C) celebrates victory after the Rugby Championship Test match between Australia and South Africa at Suncorp Stadium.

“South Africa had to make a couple of substitutions quite early and that might have affected them at the back end of the game.

“As a bench, you speak of wanting to finish well.”

His performance made a great case for Horwill re-entering the starting side this weekend against Argentina in Mendoza.

Mention the World Cup and Horwill’s vocal octaves rise considerably.

“I would love to be there, it’s the pinnacle of our sport,” he said.

“It’s where you want to be, what you want to do as a player.

“There is no doubt in my mind, I want to help this team win the World Cup.

“You’ve got to continue to put your hand up, show you’re good to go.

“There are three games to go until the World Cup squad is selected, so there are three opportunities for all the players to try to stake our claims.”

Three opportunities, and four years of roller-coaster experience Horwill can use to mount a defining mission in his Test career.

“Things can change very quickly, that’s something I’ve discovered. One week everything is going well and then it suddenly drops and brings you back down to earth,” Horwill said.

“You can’t worry about anything external, everyone has got a different role and you’ve got to carry yours out.

“There have been some good times and not so good times for me. Hopefully I can stay with it.”

Originally published as Rugby World Cup: James Horwill has unfinished business to attend to