Tim Horan predicts one Wallabies player is already in ‘last chance’ saloon under Joe Schmidt
Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt alongside the legendary Tim Horan.
Tim Horan has picked one player who could well be playing for his international future against Georgia on Saturday.
The Wallabies legend believes that number eight Harry Wilson is under pressure to perform having previously failed to take his chance in the Test arena.
Wilson is regarded as a significant talent and has consistently impressed for the Reds in Super Rugby Pacific, but the back-row has been unable to make the step up.
He did not feature at all in 2023, with his last Test match coming against the All Blacks in September 2022.
Still a youngster
Despite being just 24, Horan reckons that it could well be his final opportunity for Australia, suggesting that if he doesn’t produce against Georgia, Joe Schmidt may look elsewhere.
“I love Harry Wilson, Super Rugby Pacific level, he’s unbelievable. We’ve seen that the last four or five years,” Horan told Stan Sports’ Rugby Heaven.
“Now coming back, I reckon this is his last chance in a gold jersey to perform – to try and translate Super Rugby Pacific form to Test match (level).
“What happened in Super Rugby Pacific, you can make the odd mistake. You can throw an offload that goes to ground occasionally. Test matches you can’t do that.
“That’s what Harry’s got to be able to do this weekend is be really specific on making no mistakes at Test match level.”
Schmidt has made a positive start to his time as Wallabies head coach, securing a 2-0 series victory over Wales following 25-16 and 36-28 triumphs.
They are expected to go three from three when they face the Lelos this weekend, despite making mass changes to the squad.
The head coach went for continuity in the second of the Wales Tests after handing seven players their debuts in the opening clash.
Looking ahead to the Rugby Championship
Horan insists that there is no doubt about Schmidt’s intentions as Australia prepare for their first game of the Rugby Championship against the Springboks.
“Well I think it’s to get those combinations right,” he said.
“This block of three Test matches, he’s gone, ‘Okay, I’m going to tinker with the team.’ A few changes for this weekend against Georgia.
“But then when you get to Brisbane against the world champion Springboks, that’s when you’ve got to pick – those two Test matches, Brisbane and Perth – that’s when you’ve got to pick your best XV, your best 23 to potentially put some pressure on the world champs.”
