Queensland skipper James Horwill is bracing himself for one last bag of tricks from Western Force lock Nathan Sharpe ahead of Saturday night’s Super Rugby showdown in Perth.
With Sharpe to retire at season’s end, Horwill is relishing the chance to take on his former mentor one final time.
Sharpe was a dominant figure in Queensland rugby when Horwill was still a junior making his way up through the ranks.
Although Horwill has since usurped the 100-Test veteran in the Wallabies’ set-up, Horwill praised Sharpe for the invaluable advice he’s passed down to him over the years.
“It’s funny how it all turns out in the end. He was certainly someone I looked up to when I was a youngster,” Horwill said.
“He’s been very helpful to me.
“Still to this day we talk and try to discuss things.
“It would have been silly of me not to use his experience. To tap into that is important. I’ve used that at a Wallaby level, learning things off him.”
However, any niceties will be put to the side for 80 minutes on Saturday night when Sharpe and Horwill go head-to-head in a bid to win the crucial lineout honours.
Sharpe’s sparkling form has helped the Force dominate the set piece this season, but Horwill is determined to give the 34-year-old a hard time in their final duel.
“I’m sure he’s got a couple of things up his sleeve that he’ll be trying out. We’ve just got to make sure we can nullify him as much as possible,” Horwill said.
“Sharpey is always the lineout technician and is probably one of the best in the world at that aspect of the game.
“I’ve enjoyed playing with him at the Wallabies, and against him at club level.
“You always know you’re in for a tough night out.
“He always gives it his all, and especially against Queensland I think there’s extra motivation for him.”