It was just like old times for horne and the warriors
After a frustrating couple of seasons, George
Horne appears to have recaptured the form that made him one of the most exciting attacking players in the Scottish game during the lead-up to the 2019 World Cup.
The scrum-half has been handed the Glasgow Warriors No 9 jersey ahead of the British & Irish Lion, Ali Price, by new coach Franco Smith for first two games of the 2022-23 URC campaign.
The Round One defeat away to Benetton was the sort of performance from which no Warrior could come away feeling they had enhanced their reputation.
But Friday night’s rip-roaring 52-24 home win over Cardiff was like a flashback to the club’s glory days under Gregor Townsend and Dave Rennie.
Horne led from the front, scoring a try and kicking six out of a possible eight conversions, including three screamers in quick succession from wide on the right as Warriors took a stranglehold of the match midway through the first half.
The 27-year-old has a long-established reputation as a threat with ball in
hand, and as a dangerous support runner. But there was also maturity and game-management in this performance.
“It was really good to be back at home and back playing again,” said Horne.
“I’ve had a few injuries over the past couple of seasons. So it was actually a bit emotional, and I loved every minute of it.
“It was very frustrating over the past couple of years because I wasn’t playing as much as I’d have liked,” he continued. “It’s the same for everyone when you’re injured. You just feel like you can’t really contribute.
“The more you play and get a run under your belt, then the more you start to get into a rhythm.
“In saying that, competition for places is also healthy. We’ve got a good group of nines at the club, and we’re all pushing each other to get better.
“That’s the most I’ve enjoyed a game in a while. We kind of got back to our old DNA of attacking, holding on to the ball and playing at high speed.”
Horne is working under older brother, Pete, this season, who was appointed a skills coach when he hung up his boots last December after 182 Warriors appearances and 54 caps for Scotland.
“It’s amazing because he brings so much energy to the coaching staff,” said the proud younger sibling.
“All the boys respect him so much. He’s actually like a big brother to everyone!”