De Villiers Primes Rookies For A Fall

Sydney Morning Herald

Friday May 9, 2008

Rupert Guinness in Cape Town

WARATAHS centres Tom Carter and Rob Horne have been targeted by the Stormers as possible chinks in NSW's armour, and this was no more apparent than when opposing captain Jean de Villiers lavished praise on the rookie duo.

The Stormers inside-centre made his comments with undoubted respect for Carter's and Horne's ability. Such gushing compliments given to a young and relatively untested combination before a big game, however, are usually laced with mischievous intent.

But you couldn't blame 27-year-old de Villiers for trying to lure Carter, 25, and Horne, 18, into a false sense of complacency as they prepare to play before a packed house at Newlands for the first time on Saturday night (Sunday morning, Sydney time).

"Carter has been playing since the start of the season. He is very solid, a good defensive player and gets them a lot of go-forward ball," said de Villiers, who has 33 Springboks Test caps to his name. "The new youngster, Horne. He is obviously still young, runs good angles, has quite a bit of pace. He is an exciting young player. And as a combination, they have been functioning as well."

De Villiers, who replaced flanker Luke Watson as Stormers captain when Rassie Erasmus joined the province as coach this season, has had his eye on Horne since his debut against the Brumbies in March.

It is obvious de Villiers is hoping that Horne, in his first year out of school, will feel the cumulative physical and psychological pressure of playing professional football every week. And as if the chants of 50,000 partisan supporters won't be enough, de Villiers also plans a little sledging.

"You don't take age into consideration," he said. "[But] it might be a problem if you are that young to be mentally up week after week. We might throw a couple of chirps his way, see how he responds."

The stakes are high. The Stormers, fourth on the ladder, would leapfrog the second-placed Waratahs with victory. However, Erasmus has also embraced his one-on-one duel with Ewen McKenzie.

"He certainly has the respect of the players, and that is a big thing," Erasmus said of his opposite number. "[From] being out in the dumps in 13th [place] last year, to picking a team up - if you are the same coach - the next year takes some doing. It is going to be a great challenge on Saturday."

The respect is mutual, with McKenzie telling the Cape Times: "There is always something going on with [Erasmus's] coaching, so you have to stay on your toes. He is always looking for ways to change the game. I enjoy that part of the game. I'm not dissimilar. I enjoy that part of coaching. I'm expecting everything, even the kitchen sink."

The coaches boast a win apiece in their personal clash. NSW beat Erasmus's Cats 50-3 in Sydney in 2006, and the renamed Cheetahs beat the Waratahs 30-26 in Kimberley last year.

And with McKenzie likely to coach Stade Francais next season after NSW decided not to renew his contract, Saturday's clash is the "decider".

"It is one-all," Erasmus said. "It is black ball because he is leaving to France. This is our last chance."

Erasmus, who has been lauded for turning around the Stormers' fortunes this year, after they finished 10th last season, is stunned by the trend of Australian administrators cutting loose coaches mid-season - citing the cases of McKenzie and Brumbies coach Laurie Fisher this year and former ACT mentor David Nucifora in 2004. "It is funny how things work in Australia. Some of the coaches who are going are doing actually really well ... you get fired while the season is still on, or you go on to the next place," Erasmus said.

Meanwhile, Wallabies and Reds hooker Stephen Moore yesterday signed with the Brumbies for next season.

© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald

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