Take more risks, Horan implores

The gap between Australian and New Zealand teams in Super Rugby has never been wider - and the only way to close it is by taking more risks, according to Wallaby great Tim Horan.

The five local franchises are under huge pressure to improve after a lacklustre 2016 when Australian rugby’s shortcomings were laid bare for all to see. Were it not for the competition’s odd format since the expansion to 18 teams, the Australian conference-winning Brumbies would have finished eighth on the overall ladder - not fourth, which earned them a home final many felt they didn’t deserve.

But after some canny off-season recruitments and with ARU skills guru Mick Byrne’s influence starting to take hold after his switch from the All Blacks camp, Horan believes things can turn around.

‘‘I just think we’ve got to play with more risk,’’ Horan said. ‘‘The skill level will get better with the more risk we play.’’