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Melbourne fullback Jason Woodward’s decision to join the Hurricanes is a huge loss for the Rebels and Australia in general.
In a less-than-impressive Rebels outfit, Woodward, Scott Higginbotham and Luke Jones were consistently the shining lights.
No one seemed to consider Woodward when it came to selection time for the Wallabies, but he is the best fullback in Australia.
This may be an unpopular opinion, considering the massive support Israel Folau has obtained over the last two years, with most people considering him to be a shoo-in for the Wallabies 15 jersey.
However, while Folau is the best outside back in Australian rugby, Woodward is the form fullback.
Folau’s main strengths in the game are his abnormal skill under the high ball and his ability to attract defenders and break tackles on a consistent basis.
Over this Super Rugby season, we have seen his ability to get into the right position to finish off tries in the Waratahs’ backline, making him a very good finisher too. However, Folau’s defence at fullback is questionable and his kicking game is inconsistent.
Israel Folau is a finisher with a lot of x-factor. Doesn’t this description seem more suited to a wing berth with the Wallabies as opposed to fullback?
Robbie Deans was onto something when he tried to play Folau at that position against the Lions last June. Folau has the potential to make a devastating winger in the mould of Julian Savea – a danger man who will frighten opponents every time the ball goes wide.
Jason Woodward on the other hand is everything the Wallabies need at fullback. Sure he doesn’t have the x-factor as Folau, but so few players do. Woodward’s defence is top notch, he has electrifying pace and the best kicking game of all the fullbacks in Australian rugby – yes, including Jesse Mogg.
So much of the Rebels’ attack originates from him and he has the ability to set up good attacking platforms for his team. His goal-kicking would also be an asset, given the Wallabies don’t have many good kickers this year. He is not as remarkable as Folau under the high ball but does it really matter when Folau would be just outside him on the wing?
Woodward not only seems to be a well-rounded option at fullback, but provides a solution to the debate about the inside backs. The 9, 10 and 12 positions would not have to be decided by taking the requirements of a good place-kicker into consideration, with one already at fullback.
Even if we persist with Folau at fullback and he gets injured, what then? The only viable backup would be Kurtley Beale.
Beale hasn’t played 15 for close to a year and it wouldn’t be wise to shift him away from the inside back positions where he’s thriving. What Beale needs is consistency; playing in the same position for an extended period, thereby allowing him to get more comfortable and work his magic.
The loss of Jason Woodward has much greater impact than we realise. For him to be eligible for the Wallabies, he had to play three consecutive seasons of Super Rugby in Australia. That means that he would have been available for national selection next year if had stayed on with the Rebels.
We should have done more to keep him there. Ewen McKenzie could have invited him to train with the squad as he did with Henry Speight. A clear sign of interest from the Wallabies might have been enough to stop him from leaving.
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.