Wallabies legend highlights how Rebels downfall can ‘strengthen’ other Australian sides

Former Wallaby Tim Horan has offered a silver lining for Australian rugby following the news that the Rebels will not compete in Super Rugby Pacific next year.

The decision was made by Rugby Australia (RA) on Thursday to cut the team from Super Rugby after they deemed a proposal from a private consortium not viable.

This comes after the Rebels went into voluntary administration at the beginning of the season in the hope of finding a solution to navigate the debt that exceeds AU$23m. In the meantime, RA has kept the wheels turning this season, ensuring staff and players are paid.

The private consortium led by businessman Leigh Clifford is set to sue the governing body after accusing RA of going against the best interests of the game in the country.

Rebels players are said to be “devastated” by the news that unfortunately comes in the club’s best-ever season where they will feature in the play-offs for the first time.

Horan’s silver lining is looking at how the Rebels stars can strengthen the Waratahs and Western Force, which could help the two teams catch up to the Brumbies and Reds who are both flying high this season.

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Waratahs options

The ex-centre even suggested who goes where beginning with the powerhouse prop Taniela Tupou,?who Horan feels could benefit the Waratahs. It is a fair shout as the Tongan Thor could strengthen any squad he goes into but for the Sydney side he would slot straight into the starting XV.

Another forward mentioned for the ‘Tahs is Rob Leota as he is an absolute workhorse and could add massively to the back-row that already has Langi Gleeson, Charlie Gamble and Ned Hanigan.

In the backline, one of the major players to scoop up is Carter Gordon, who could be the player to give the Waratahs a bit more dynamism in the 10 shirt. He has grown immensely and still has strong potential, making him a solid option if the Waratahs were interested.

Horan suggested Andrew Kellaway also heads to Sydney which would be huge for the Waratahs considering the Wallaby’s solid form and ability across the back-three. There are also changes with Mark Nawaqanitawase and Joseph Suaalii trading codes next season so an experienced campaigner like Kellaway would be massive.

The final suggestion for the light blues is Darby Lancaster, who could add a real try-scoring threat to the Waratahs and again like in the case of Kellaway would offer huge value to a changing back-three.

Rugby Australia now needs to strengthen Tahs and Force

Options

Taniela T = Tahs
Andrew K = Tahs
Carter G = Tahs
Lukhan SL = Force
Rob L = Tahs
Jordan U = Tahs
Josh C = Force
Filipo D = Force
Darby L = Tahs
Isaac K = Force

Many other good players as well. @StanSportRugby

— Tim Horan (@TimHoran12) May 30, 2024

Western Force

It has been a big recruitment push for the Perth side recently with Nic White, Kurtley Beale and Ben Donaldson all recent joiners and it could be a golden opportunity for them to add more talent.

Horan suggested multiple forwards starting with the bruising lock Lukhan Salakai-Loto, who has been a real presence since returning from England. Add to that is his hard-working lock partner Josh Canham who is certainly one to watch. Those two alone would supercharge the Force tight five.

Another player strengthening the tight five could be Jordan Uelese, who has developed into a fine hooker and is a player who will continue to grow. He has decent Test experience and could easily make an impact. So too is Isaac Kailea, who is also rapidly growing as a front-row.

Finally is the elusive Filipo Daugunu who has been a defender’s nightmare this season and that will not change any time soon. His ability to beat players with pace and power sets him apart and he is the kind of player that could thrive in any set-up.

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