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No luck at the back, so time to move Israel Folau to 13

11th October, 2016
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Israel Folau (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
Expert
11th October, 2016
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2313 Reads

Yesterday, Israel Folau said fullback was his best position, and judging by his selections, Wallaby coach Michael Cheika agrees.

When Kurtley Beale was in full flight, his combinations with Folau were consistent highlights. But Beale won’t be around for two years while he’s on duty with Wasps, as the highest paid rugby footballer in the UK.

So in the context of who is available, there’s that exciting newcomer Samu Kerevi, currently going gang-busters at outside centre.

But that’s where Israel Folau should be, wearing jersey 13, with Kerevi donning the 12. Kerevi takes on the opposition like a tearaway train, Folau running off him would be picnic time.

Those are two of the changes I’d like to see in the lead-up to the best six successive internationals the Wallabies have had in ages – the All Blacks at Eden Park followed by Wales, Scotland, France, Ireland, and England.

The Wallabies have been badly beaten twice by the All Blacks this year, and haven’t won at Eden Park since 1986.

Let’s pause right there.

I have one strong belief in any sport, the most important Test is the next one – and that’s the All Blacks.

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No other Test should come into the reckoning, not building to next year’s Bledisloe or Rugby Championship, and certainly not the 2019 World Cup.

One Test at a time.

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My squad is presuming David Pocock, Tatafa Polota-Nau, and Sean McMahon are unavailable through injury.

1 – Scott Sio has come on in leaps and bounds this campaign and will be around for a long time.

2 – James Hanson deserves his chance with regular Stephen Moore losing his consistency, while his lineout feeding is still way below par.

3 – Sekope Kepu has the experience and the capacity to lift in the big games, and they don’t get any bigger than the next one.

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4 – Rory Arnold is just itching for the chance to take on New Zealand’s tall timbers, and he has the built-in aggression required.

5 – Adam Coleman has been one of the finds of the season with aggression his middle name.

6 – Ben McCalman has been injured, but has been playing in the NRC. He’s an important addition to the lineout as well as being big and quick on the blind flank.

7 – Michael Hooper has a lot more to do with David Pocock missing, but he must watch his penalty count for being over-eager.

8 – Lopeti Timani had his first start last week and he did exactly what Cheika told him – run and hit hard.

9 – Will Genia (c) is back to his very best form, and the reason why the backline is looking better and sharper. He will lead from the front as the new skipper.

10 – Quade Cooper must use more of his x-factor, and get more involved in a new and very exciting backline. He takes over the shorter penalty shots.

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11 – Reece Hodge is another exciting young back who needs more ball as well as taking over the longer penalty shots as well as the penalties to touch with his big boot.

12 – Samu Kerevi has the potential to be a world-beater, he has the pace, the power, the size, and the aggression to feed off Cooper, make the bust, and feed Folau.

13 – Israel Folau proved for the Waratahs he has what it takes to be a 13 and he also needs an injection of action he’s missing at 15. He can be a match winner in his new international role.

14 – Sefa Naivalu deserves his chance to use his express speed, swerve, and hunger for tries and playing outside Folau he will get plenty of chances.

15 – Dane Haylett-Petty has been a revelation on the wing, but he’s a far better fullback with a good boot, and a solid defender.

16 – Stephen Moore, because it’s too early for third-ranked hooker Tolu Latu to take on the Kiwis.

17 – James Slipper must be on the bench for Eden Park, with his vast experience vital in any clash with the men in black.

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18 – Tom Robertson is still wet behind the ears internationally, but he’s learning at the rate of knots and the more he plays at this level the better for the Wallaby scrum.

19 – Rob Simmons has had a chequered career with Cheika, but against the All Blacks he must be there.

20 – Scott Fardy has also been on the wrong end of Cheika selections, but when push turns to shove in a big game, Fardy is an asset.

21 – Nick Frisby spent his first four years in Super Rugby as Genia’s side-kick at the Reds and deserves his chance in top company, with Nick Phipps losing the plot more often than being a Wallaby.

22 – Tevita Kuridrani is an ideal bench man the way this squad has been selected, coming on to use his pace and size.

23 – Bernard Foley is my only worry, wondering if Cooper and Hodge can fill the vital role of goal-kicker. Foley is the best by a long way, but not as effective as a 12.

That squad is the best available to have a crack at the All Blacks on Saturday week.

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