The one thing Qantas Wallabies skipper James Horwill said he was looking forward to more than anything else after hearing he was not going to be banned for the third Test was a good night’s sleep.
The 28-year-old lock admitted to having a sleepless night after giving evidence for a second time on the alleged stamping incident against Alun Wyn Jones in Brisbane and being forced to wait until 10.00am the next day for the outcome.
“I was very relieved when I received the outcome at around 10.00am. I had no sleep during the night before, but I feel very vindicated by the way it has all gone,” said Howill.
“I was very relieved when I received the outcome at around 10.00am today. I had no sleep during the night, but not I feel very vindicated by the way it has gone.
“I would like to thank Mr Mew and Mr Hampton (the two Judiciary Officers) for hosting very fair and independent hearings. I’d also like to thank Mr Steve Cotterill, our legal representative, for assisting us in the hearing.
“Finally, I’d like to thank the public for their support. My family and my team have been overwhelmed by the support I have received. It’s now time to get on with the football.
“The process is what it is and I can’t complain. It has been very fair both times and I was confident I would be cleared because I knew what happened. But I’m still glad that the right result was reached in the end.
“I love what I do and it means a hell of a lot for me to represent my country. The opportunity to lead my country into arguably the biggest game in this country since the 2003 World Cup final is very exciting.
“Other than not getting any sleep last night there has not been any disruption for me throughout the process. It is the reality of what we do – I have just had to get on with it.”
Horwill received his good news midway through the Wallabies' morning training session and gave everyone in the squad a boost. Now the focus is totally on winning the series, and holding onto the Tom Richards Trophy, on Saturday night.
"As you can tell by the first two Tests they have both been pretty epic struggles and there isn’t much to separate the two teams. I can’t see Saturday night being too much different," said Horwill.
"You have to take your opportunities because as you have seen in the first two games there aren’t many. You have to be smart in the ay you go about your footie. The team that arguably takes its chances and makes the most of the opportunities will more often than not end up on the wining side.
"You always hope it comes down to tries for the sake of the fans, but as you saw last weekend the Lions are very good at kicking. Halfpenny’s radar has been very good so I think there will be a bit of toing and froing to begin with but then the fans will be able to see some running rugby."
