Reds wary of Force sharpshooter Sias Ebersohn
Damien Stannard From: The Courier-Mail March 14, 2013 12:00am
THE Queensland Reds have been warned about the booming boot of Sias Ebersohn, the Western Force sharpshooter who models his every movement on England great Jonny Wilkinson.
Ebersohn's 16-point haul in his starting debut for the Force a fortnight ago, including a 60m penalty, should alert Ewen McKenzie's men that any ill-discipline will be punished and potentially cost them their fourth win of the Super Rugby season.
Injured lock James Horwill is still a week away from an expected comeback but contributed yesterday by handing over a $5000 donation from Reds' sponsor St George to help with flood damage repairs at Norths Rugby Club.
Despite his slow and frustrating rehabilitation, the Wallabies skipper remains close enough to the Reds' on-field leadership to share their concern about gifting penalty opportunities to the South African recruit.
"Ebersohn's a guy we're wary of, especially within kicking range," Horwill said.
"Discipline will be important."
The winless Force left Perth yesterday without Wallabies winger Nick Cummins (knee) and lock Sam Wykes (ankle), who were ruled out of Saturday night's clash at Suncorp Stadium.
Former Churchie student Junior Rasolea is in line to replace Cummins and Phoenix Battye is the man most likely to step up in place of Wykes.
Captain Matt Hodgson is not due to join his teammates in Brisbane until Friday.
With Brumbies openside David Pocock sidelined with a season-ending knee injury, it presents another big audition for the Reds' Liam Gill.
"I think Gilly's been one of our best players," Horwill said.
"His workrate and ability to get involved is right up there with anyone in the competition. If he continues to put his hand up like that it will be hard not to pick him (for Australia)."
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Our discipline will be just as important, especially supporting our pick and drive runners or else Eddie Quirk's going to be all over us.