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Over the last six months there has been a lot of talk as to where Israel Folau should play.
Upon moving to rugby and also from making his Wallabies debut against the British and Irish Lions in 2013 on the wing, Izzy proved himself as an attacking and try-scoring machine.
He was moved to fullback after just six Tests. His incredible attacking form continued throughout his first two international seasons and people were talking about him being a future true Wallaby great.
He scored 15 tries in 21 Tests.
However, since 2015 Folau has suffered a severe drop in form, at least in terms of scoring tries. He has only scored five in his last 27 Tests.
That is not to say that tries are all that counts, or that this can be contributed entirely to him. He is no longer the unknown quality he once was. Teams have worked out better to defend against him – such as by kicking high balls and swarming him with defenders. For a while the Wallabies’ attack was not very effective.
It must be admitted, however, that Folau is not a natural counter-attacker from deep in his own half.
Neither does he possess a strong or accurate kick.
Folau was still beating defenders, but he was no longer the prolific attacking and try-scoring weapon he was just a few seasons ago.
During the 2016 Super Rugby season, following an initial few rounds of again being underwhelming Folau was switched to 13. He proved a revelation, at least in terms of attack, and topped the competition’s try-scoring tally.
Despite this fact Cheika has insisted on keeping him at 15 for the Wallabies. Part of this is likely due to the fact that, while not a terrible defender, the 13 channel is probably the hardest to defend in.
All through the Rugby Championship Folau has continued to underwhelm to a certain extent. Samu Kerevi has been a greater attacking weapon in almost every match, and even Dane Haylett-Petty has proven himself a better counter-attacker from deep.
Additionally, Australia had two other brilliant options at 13 in the dynamic Kerevi, and the defensively awesome Tevita Kuridrani – he made 17/17 tackles in the first Bledisloe Test, after which he was unceremoniously dropped.
However, with Kerevi’s injury and Reece Hodge rather young and underwhelming to a certain extent it may be time to switch Folau in the centres.
But not at 13.
He still does not have the defensive abilities necessary to defend at 13 internationally.
He might on the other hand, have the ability to defend at 12. Additionally, being closer in would mean he would get more of the ball and therefore have more opportunities to show off his attacking abilities.
The Wallabies would then be able to play the defensively fantastic Kuridrani outside of him.
Long-term, this would mean that Australia would have four fantastic prospects in the centres: Folau, Kerevi, Kuridrani and Hodge.
Real depth in a position is something that Australia has struggled with for a long time. A full strength Wallabies side can match it with anyone in the world aside perhaps the All Blacks, but just a few injuries can ravage and largely ruin the team.
Four strong centres all of whom should be around for the 2019 World Cup would be fantastic for Australia’s prospects.
It would also mean that Dane Haylett-Petty or Kurtley Beale could play at their preferred position at fullback.
I will admit I have long preferred Folau playing on the wing, and suspect that this may still be his best position. That being said, the autumn internationals of the first year after a World Cup is the perfect time to Test Folau at 12.
If he fails at 12, switch him to the wing where has already proven he is fantastic. If he succeeds at 12 then all the better.
For is a wing pairing of Marika Koroibete and Sefa Naivalu really so horrible?
No it is not.
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.