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The time James Horwill's face got re-arranged by French fists in 2008

BY Shaywaterworth  ·  Saturday Jun 19, 2021

Back in 2008 former Wallabies captain James Horwill received a brutal blow to his eye socket after a brawl broke out against France.

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Les Bleus were on a two-match tour Down Under and just before the halftime break in Test match two, Australia centre Stirling Mortlock got involved in a scrap at Lang Park, Brisbane.

After just a few seconds nearly every player on the pitch was embroiled in a fight with French number eight Imanol Harinordoquy throwing several punches to the face of Horwill.

Following a review from the officials, Horwill was blamed for instigating the conflict and got penalised by referee Paul Honiss while no other player was punished. The blow was so severe that the lock was unable to return to the field.

 

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Australia went on to win the match 40-10 and seal a convincing clean sweep on the series, however the French are now due to return Down Under for a three-match tour this Summer, staring in Sydney in July.

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TEST MATCH DATES

Wednesday 7 July, Sydney

Tuesday 13 July, Melbourne

Saturday 17 July, Brisbane

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