Quan Horn reveals how Pollard helped him 'thrive' against Scotland
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok utility back Quan Horn faced his biggest Test yet at flyhalf against Scotland at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday and emerged with valuable lessons.
Leading up to the Test, which the Boks won 42-28, head coach Rassie Erasmus explained his experimental selection as an opportunity to find answers on various players ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Erasmus could have easily waited until the Wales Test in Durban to trial new combinations, but felt the challenge of facing the world’s fifth-ranked side would prove more valuable.
One of the players under the microscope was Horn, who entered the fray early in the second half, replacing Handre Pollard.
Although Pollard returned to the field after Ethan Hooker’s injury, Horn remained at flyhalf for the rest of the match, allowing Erasmus to continue with his experiment and test the 25-year-old in a high-pressure environment.
Horn had previously featured at flyhalf for the Boks only once, against the Barbarians last month.
In that outing, he held his own and looked comfortable with the ball in hand, although there were questions about his defence.
He showed signs of improvement against Scotland in the playmaker role and revealed it was a premeditated decision for him to slot in at flyhalf despite Pollard being on the park.
“It was a great experience,” he said.
“We chatted during the week about which positions I need to cover, and I was ready for the call.
“Everyone knows these days that if you can cover more than one position, it’s better for you as a player. For me, I think if I can cover flyhalf and fullback for the Springboks, that’s good.”
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Horn also credited Pollard, who shifted to inside centre in the second half, for helping him settle into the role.
“Hats off to Handre [Pollard]; he made me feel very comfortable. I think he made everything just so easy and set the tone for me in the first half, and I could step up and do my best.
“He gives a lot of confidence on the field. He’s smart and intelligent, so he gives that calmness.
“He chatted with me about the options that were there, and I could just thrive from there.”
Horn’s preferred position might be fullback, but versatility in the Bok team always acts as an added advantage.
Erasmus continues to push players’ limits by getting them out of their comfort zones and has introduced a hybrid culture within the side.
For Horn, the challenge at flyhalf has not been as daunting as it may seem, given the playmaking responsibilities he already carries at fullback for the Lions.
“At the Lions, normally No.15 is involved much in the game just like the Springboks,” he explained.
“It’s not a big difference; it’s just the calling systems that are different.”
Horn wasn’t the only playmaker pulling the strings in the second half. At some stages, the Boks had as many as four playmakers operating across the backline.
Apart from Horn and Pollard, Aphelele Fassi and Damian Willemse also formed part of a reshuffled backline, and they all seemed to be rotating positions during the match.
When asked on whether the variety of experienced heads didn’t cause any confusion, the Lions playmaker said: “There’s a big respect between the players and each of them knows which position they need to cover.
“It’s about doing your job first, and if we’re on the front foot, everyone can just express themselves.
“That’s the freedom the Boks give us, and you play what’s in front of you and just execute.”
While the Springboks’ flyhalf stocks currently look healthy, having Horn as a tried-and-tested back-up could prove invaluable in Erasmus’ pursuit of a third consecutive World Cup title.
