James Horwill has won Tri-Nations titles, conquered the All Blacks and captained Australia to the Rugby World Cup – but, for him, nothing can match the magnitude of facing The British & Irish Lions.
The 2013 series will forever be etched in Horwill’s mind: the noise of the crowd, the pressure of a nation, the sensational rugby played and, of course, the famous Sea of Red.
Not to be outdone, Australia put on a show and the public stopped to devour a series for the ages, with Horwill – the Wallabies captain – at its heart as rugby union took centre stage of the national consciousness.
The 2-1 series defeat to the Lions was in sharp contrast to what happened in 2001, when the Wallabies overturned a 1-0 deficit beat the Lions 2-1. Horwill was just 16 and lived every second of a series he said inspired him.
This summer, the two teams will meet again and Joe Schmidt's installation as Australia’s head coach only an extra ingredient to a mouth-watering series.
Horwill believes it is an exciting time to be a Wallaby, with a host of prodigious young players coming through the ranks.
An iconic series
It has been a long wait for Australia fans between Tours and Horwill hopes 2025 will go better than last time for the Wallabies, who lost the tightest of series.
Kurtley Beale missed a penalty in a dramatic conclusion to the opening Test, with the Lions storming to a 23-21 win in Brisbane.
The second Test saw Australia strike back, recording a 16-15 triumph after Lions full-back Leigh Halfpenny missed a late penalty of his own.
The stage was set for a thrilling decider, and it did not disappoint as the Lions ended a 16-year wait for a series win with a stunning 41-16 victory.
And Horwill admits that despite being on the losing side, it was an honour to be part of such a fantastic occasion.
He said: "Captaining Australia in those Tests was a big honour.
"The interest around it was great, it was on a similar level to a World Cup, if not more.
"The travelling press pack from the UK was much more than what we were used to here in Australia, so I think as the skipper I had to do a lot more media stuff.
"It gave you the idea that it was a big occasion, any time you captain your country, it is an honour.
"But to do it against a team that you only play once every 12 years, I was very lucky to be able to get that opportunity."
Talk of the town
"In 2013, the crowds were loud, particularly that first game at Suncorp Stadium. I remember saying at the time after the game that it was as loud as I have heard an Australian crowd sing the national anthem,” he added.
"They out-sang the singer, and I think that shows what the Lions bring out of the Australian fans. I think that can only be a good thing, it is certainly a good rivalry, but it is a friendly rivalry on and off the pitch, particularly with the fans.
"I think that is a great part about it, you look at the pubs, and there are red and gold jerseys having a drink together."
