If you saw this article a few weeks ago you would think that I am insane. However, after his most recent performance, we saw the rugby union side of Israel Folau.
No one has doubted his attack in the past, but defence and positioning was his problem. Last night showed a possible Wallaby Israel Folau.
In last night’s game against the Chiefs his attack was impeccable, scoring a try from a perfectly placed cross kick from Bernard Foley. He also managed to make four line breaks.
And when he didn’t get through, a hole was set up for another player. That it what impressed me the most.
The Chiefs were unstoppable in the second half, and if it wasn’t for his two try saving tackles, including a huge hit on Gareth Anscombe who was almost certainly in for the try, the Waratahs would have been in trouble.
If you look back to Round 2 against the Reds, Dom Shipperly simply ran over him to score a try. This wouldn’t happen anymore as he has begun to read the game so much better.
It’s the little things he now does well. Like when Aaron Cruden put through a wobbly kick down Folau’s wing and Folau kept his cool and let it roll into touch under pressure.
If he has improved this much in 10 weeks, imagine how good he will be come June for the British and Irish Lions tour?
mania
Guest
wouldnt mind seeing him play at 14. not sure bout centres or FB tho, well not at this stage anyways
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
mania that's why I think it would only be mid-international season when he moved there. I would guess he would start at 14 and then after a few matches begin to move in.
Ben.S
Roar Guru
'It also means he’s ready for neverending cross-kicks at which he dominates.' From the midfield? Really?
mania
Guest
KPM - def agree that folau isnt a test FB yet, esp with mogg there. but wouldnt mind seeing folau as a winger. doubt he knows enough positional play yet to be in the centres.
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
Mania Folau's the kind of runner that does the most damage in the midfield. His power, speed, step and general wriggliness means that he can often break through and then set up the players around him. It also means he's ready for neverending cross-kicks at which he dominates. This kind of player is not really a full-back. Maybe Cheika saw how effective Greg Inglis has been there and thought Folau was similar enough for it to work, as well as considering it because of his ability in the air. I think Folau will start on the wing for the Wallabies though, with one of the current wings moving infield. Then midway through the season I think he'll start to appear at centre.
mania
Guest
yes that missed tackle on anscombe was pretty telling though he did make his other tackles in the game and scored a try. i'm not a folau fan but i might be becoming one palu again going MIA
Worlds biggest
Guest
Izzy played very well however his attempted tackle on Anscombe was non existent which lead to the first try. He needs to iron out these kinks in his defence.
Pollock
Guest
He has certainly improved however he has barely played half a dozen games of rugby. Also the Lions will be a big step up from Super 15 and flaws will be exposed. It's not as if he is far and away the best centre \ winger running around.