McKenzie dreads delivering bad news

Editor

Wallabies head coach Ewen McKenzie admits telling players they haven't made the side is one of the worst parts of the job.

Wallabies head coach Ewen McKenzie admits telling players they haven't made the side is one of the worst parts of the job.

Second row James Horwill and fly-half Bernard Foley were two major omissions from the XV to face the All Blacks this weekend.

Admitting that the depth of quality options available was actually a positive, McKenzie still doesn't enjoy letting players know that they're set to miss out.

“One of the worst parts of the job is delivering selection news,” McKenzie told AAP.

“It's easy telling guys they're in, but telling guys they're out … and blind Freddie knew that we wouldn't be able to fit everyone into the team.

“That's a good job for Australian rugby, but it's not such a good job for the coach in terms of delivering the messages.

“But you don't expect them to be liking that situation. They understand it and you explain it, but Bernard's still got a role to play.

“Effectively, we've reversed the roles. Kurtley [Beale] was finishing the games against France, he was starting. Just reverse the roles.”

McKenzie went on to explain both decisions further, adding that the situation was harder with Horwill with whom he worked extensively while coaching the Reds.

“I know him pretty well so they're not easy conversations to have,” added McKenzie.

“We know what James Horwill can do and he's a very experienced campaigner so there'd be every reason to include him.

“We looked at all the combinations – six-two benches (of forwards to backs) and all sorts of combinations how we might do it. In the end, we've come up with the best for this game.

“Bernard's not out of the team because he's out of form – at all. It's just that we've got more players than we can squeeze in there.”