Wallabies in danger of losing Hanigan to ambitious French club just as forward enters his prime
Ned Hanigan is one of the in-form forwards in Australian rugby who looks set to finally turn promise into quality on the international stage,…
An hour after the Wallabies’ demolition of France, Nic White just couldn’t help gushing his “love” for Test rugby.
And no wonder the Brumbies halfback was bubbling, after he and fellow greenhorn Bernard Foley combined to unleash a backline that laid on seven tries.
Under pressure to fill the boots of Will Genia and Quade Cooper, White and five eighth Foley silenced the doubters as Australia picked up where they left off at the end of last year’s enterprising European tour.
With fullback Israel Folau in imperious form and Tevita Kuridrani and Ashley-Cooper busting the line out wide, the Wallabies attack purred.
So many times did they punch through Les Bleus’ fragile defence, the most difficult task for them was deciding which of the seven five-pointers was the most impressive.
“I really enjoyed it, I really enjoyed playing – I just love playing!” a jubilant White enthused.
“How good is it out there! I just love being out there!”
Australia’s new halves pairing know that it will be more difficult assignment against a beefed-up French outfit next weekend, let alone against the All Blacks and South Africa in The Rugby Championship.
But they did all that was asked of them, and more, to guarantee a another start at Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium.
Foley, who also slotted seven from nine with the boot, paid credit to the Wallabies pack for giving him a luxury of options.
“They worked tirelessly to put the ball on a platter for us to give the ball to Tevita and Israel and Adam and Nick Cummins to weave their magic,” the five-eighth said.
“My role was to get the ball out wide because those guys were on fire tonight.”
The Wallabies’ backline depth is such that Kurtley Beale could come on at the hour mark, replacing impressive No.12 Matt Toomua, and continue the carnage.
“Some of the tries were pretty special from deep within our half and that’s what happens when forwards do their job and backs can play that expansive game,” Foley said.
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