Horne looks to shine

Waratahs hand semi-final start to teenage centre

Last updated: 22nd May 2008

Rob Horne

Horne: Semi-final spot

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Rookie centre Rob Horne has been recalled to start for the Waratahs in their Super 14 semi-final against the Sharks on Saturday.

Teenager Horne takes over at outside centre from Matt Carraro for the Sydney Football Stadium clash, with league recruit Timana Tahu again kept on the bench.

Horne has impressed when starting this season but was rested on the bench from the last round's derby win over the Reds in Brisbane.

Al Manning has been called up as replacement hooker, with Adam Freier promoted to start in place of the injured Tatafu Polota-Nau.

Captain Phil Waugh will join an elite club when he becomes only the fourth player to make 100 appearances for the Waratahs.

The dynamic flanker debuted in 1999, made his maiden Super Rugby appearance in 2000 and, after missing most of 2007 with an ankle injury, will play his 100th game in Waratahs colours against the Sharks.

"The most important thing is for those experienced guys to play well and lead everyone else,'' Waugh told the Daily Telegraph.

"I think it makes it a lot easier for the less experienced guys to play when the older heads are showing the way and performing themselves.

"I think it's also about having the confidence to play how we've been playing all year and take risks when they're worth taking and knowing the team is behind you.''

Waratahs: 15 Sam Norton-Knight, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Tom Carter, 11 Lote Tuqiri, 10 Kurtley Beale, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Phil Waugh (c), 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Dan Vickerman, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Adam Freier, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements: 16 Al Manning, 17 Matt Dunning, 18 Will Caldwell, 19 David Lyons, 20 Brett Sheehan, 21 Matt Carraro, 22 Timana Tahu.