Wallaby-in-waiting Henry Speight has warned NSW Waratahs superstar Israel Folau that he’ll find himself on the losing end of a “Fijian double team” if he attempts to sneak his way through the Brumbies’ backline out wide on Saturday night.
Like any red-hot fullback, Folau has found success in exploiting the gap between outside centre and wing this Super Rugby season.
But Speight sent a light-hearted message to the competition’s leading try-scorer on Thursday, warning that channel will only lead to a dead end with unforgiving Brumbies outside centre Tevita Kuridrani patrolling the area.
“I’ve got my fellow Fijian inside of me so we will be looking out for that,” Speight said.
“We might have to do a Fijian double team on the big Tongan.”
However, Speight indicated he and Kuridrani wouldn’t get caught up in smashing Folau two-on-one unless absolutely necessary – as that could leave in-form Wallabies utility Rob Horne unmarked out wide.
“If (Folau) comes into my channel, then so be it. If I have to push out, then (Tevita) covers that,” Speight said.
“It’s a great challenge to have. I’m definitely looking forward to it – he’s a great player.”
Speight said he was relishing the chance to do battle with Horne at ANZ Stadium, with the duo both set to compete for an outside backs spot in the Wallabies’ squad at season’s end.
“Most people will see it as an audition. I just see it as another chance to get something over my opposition,” Speight said.
“To be able to come up against (Horne), and hopefully get one over him, that would be pretty good for myself.”
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