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With James O’Connor damaging his sternoclavicular joint right before the Lions tour, a shuffling of positions may need to occur around fly-half for the Wallabies.
We know all about the potential with Queensland Reds star Quade Cooper, and the Waratahs’ Berrick Barnes, who has just come back from injury to setup the match winning try against the Stormers.
But it’s time for some fresh blood. This Wallabies team needs a spark and I think Bernard Foley could be just the guy to provide that spark.
Foley’s running game as well as his passing could help put the Wallabies attack into full swing. He has been performing well as of late, only having minor setbacks in the game against the Stormers. Yes, experience counts with Barnes but his game is limited to kicking and passing – he isn’t spontaneous and doesn’t have enough flair. Workman-like performances will beat most teams, but only if the Wallabies forwards are on top.
You could say that Quade Cooper could fill that need for brilliance, but he is too inconsistent.
Foley would also be an investment for the future. At just 23, he represents both a current threat and a long-term prospect.
O’Connor was hurt earlier for the Rebels and was subsequently flattened by Rene Ranger as he bravely left his body in the way of the flying Blue. Watch O’Connor get knocked into next week as he attempted to come off the field at around the 4m mark
Barnes is planning to leave to Japan at the end of the season, while Cooper is relying on some forgive and forget from Robbie Deans.
Being realistic, even if he was not to start for the Wallabies for the Lions, he would a great addition off the bench and would add some spark to this lacklustre Australian team.
We would also gain some experience this way and prep him for the future. He’s going to face the Lions for the Waratahs, which will be a great test.
It won’t be easy for Foley to make into the team with competition including O’Connor, Cooper, Barnes and others such as Christian Lealiifano.
But if he were to be included it would definitely provide a great option to this Wallabies team.
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.