Wallabies flyhalf Bernard Foley says he drew inspiration from his Super Rugby title-winning kick to steel himself for Saturday’s thrilling match-winner over the Springboks.
Foley is quickly earning a reputation as an icy-cool competitor in front of the sticks, converting Rob Horne’s 78th minute try 10 metres out from the sideline in treacherous, wet Perth conditions to steal a dramatic 24-23 victory over South Africa
“I was yelling at him not to score in the corner,” Foley laughed.
“He makes it hard for me.”
The kick came just one month after Foley calmly slotted a 45-metre last-minute penalty to earn the NSW Waratahs their maiden Super Rugby title at the Crusaders’ expense.
And it was a moment Foley quickly relived ahead of his match-winner on Saturday.
“Yeah, you think back to that moment,” he said.
“You just try and repeat another kick that flies straight and true.”
However Foley’s reminiscing was interrupted by referee George Clancy’s assertion that he only had 30 seconds left to kick the match-winner whilst still walking back with tee in hand.
The extra pressure didn’t seem to bother him all too much, however, as he still took his time lining up the shot.
“You sort of take that with a grain of salt. Oh, hopefully that doesn’t get out,” Foley said with a grin.
To add to the drama of the thrilling win, it was Foley’s first game back in the No.10 jersey after yielding it to teammate Kurtley Beale for the two Bledisloe Cup matches.
And while the wet conditions somewhat hampered his performance throughout the match, his late combination with Beale turned the match on its head.
“When he came on he provided that bit of spark, and that hunger for the ball,” Foley said.
“He susses out the mismatches and the lazy forwards.”
Mango Jack
Guest
Just like the mythical creature after which you are named, your arguments are pure fantasy, bunyip. Granted, not one of Foley's better performances with the boot, but he proved throughout the S15, and in the France tests, that he provides to direct running and decision making required of a top shelf 5/8.
maxxlord
Roar Rookie
"Dingo"? the less said about you the betta.
Woodsman
Guest
While Beale did make a difference, I actually think it was Higgi, Horwill and Hodgo coming off the bench that lit the fire and provided the go forward and breakdown security we had been lacking all night. It's not always about the backs!
Daveski
Guest
Mate, he's the best distributor to his outside backs in Oz rugby. I guess you were sleeping during the Super 15 season. Unlike some other number 10s he doesn't dog contact either if there are no support options, which unfortunately was frequently the case last night.
Bunyip
Guest
Get Foley out of the team. He makes too many mistakes and continually hogs the ball when the outside backs are begging for it. Barely s15 standard, though waay better than last year. Toomua would make a much better 10, and then Beale could slot into 12. A White- Toomua halves combination would work better than the tah pair at test level.
Dingo
Guest
What about the one he missed from right in front? kicks in open play appalling how many skewed off the side of his boot or only made about 20m? the less said about his kick offs the better. yeah, ice cool.
WallaTah
Guest
Foley's class and composure in kicking these crucial match winning kicks, is second to none at the moment. Long may it continue! I totally agree that when Beale came on he lit a fire in the Wallabies and tonight just showcased his amazing talent to turn it on as a big game impact player. Still not sure who the best Wallaby team is yet, until it's figured out, we just need to keep on improving each week as a unit. Well hard fought game by both teams.