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Israel Folau says he is feeling increasingly confident in his new position at outside centre for the NSW Waratahs but is yet to speak to Michael Cheika about what it means for the Wallabies.
Folau has played at No.13 in the Waratahs’ last two Super Rugby games – a loss to the ACT Brumbies and a win over the Western Force – and handled the switch admirably, scoring a try in each.
Cheika forecast the move last year when he was still at the helm of the Waratahs, and it’s anticipated the 27-year-old could stay there for next month’s three-Test home series against Eddie Jones’ England.
Folau said earlier this year fullback was his preferred position, but his exposure to the centres appears to be changing his mind.
“I’m obviously still learning and trying to learn all the detailed stuff about playing 13 but at the moment I’m enjoying the challenge,” Folau said via teleconference from Cape Town, where the Waratahs are preparing for their clash with the Stormers on Sunday morning (AEST).
“I guess I can be happy with the way things are going but never content, I’m always wanting to try and keep improving each week.
“For me, personally, it’s very satisfying and I’ve been happy with how things are going.”
Cheika will be a most interested onlooker as Folau, Australia’s undisputed first-choice fullback, transitions into a role that is bringing him closer to the ball and allowing him to have a greater impact on matches.
But even though the first Test against England in Brisbane is little more than a month or so away, Folau says he is yet to consider the Wallaby implications.
“It’s only been at club level with the Tahs and for me, that’s all I’ve been focusing on,” he said.
“I’m wanting to try and make sure I can play the best sort of rugby I can at this level before I look at anything with the Wallabies.
“That’s out of my control, we’ll see what happens there but I’m happy with how things are going now.”
Folau said he has leaned heavily on assistant coach and former Test centre Nathan Grey for advice on how to defend properly at 13, and believes he has a handle on it.
He’ll want to ahead of a match-up this weekend with Springbok pair Damian de Allende and Juan de Jongh at the imposing DHL Newlands.
“This week is another great challenge for me, going up against some quality players like those two,” Folau said.
“(But) every week I get an opportunity to play at 13 is going to be a test anyway.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.