Has anyone ever asked champion Wallaby fullback Israel Folau if he can goal-kick?
Since he switched to rugby in 2013, and won two John Eales Medals, Folau’s shown such acute ball sense and coolness under pressure amongst his many proven talents that there’s no reason why goal-kicking would be beyond him.
I appreciate it’s a bit late in the World Cup campaign to ask the question, but goal-kicking and not tries will be the key factor at the business end of this tournament, because northern hemisphere referees will control most of the bigger games.
So it’s worth repeating, penalties will take precedence over tries.
The current pecking order of Wallaby goal-kickers is Bernard Foley, Quade Cooper, Matt Giteau and Kurtley Beale who on their day can rank among the best.
But those top days are pretty well spread. No Wallaby goal-kicker can match England’s Owen Farrell or Welshman Dan Biggar whom the Wallabies must face in their next two Pool A games.
Having faith in the goal-kicker is of supreme importance, especially in a World Cup where there are constant internationals with very little recovery time.
Under those unusual pressure conditions, goal-kickers take on bigger responsibilities. They can make or break team morale at any time in the game.
Both Michael Cheika and Stuart Lancaster have been holding off naming their squads for what will be the hottest ticket in London for their crucial clash at Twickenham that will kick off at 6am AEDT on Sunday.
For England, it’s win or pack your bags; your tournament is done and dusted, and the Wallabies will qualify for the quarters.
A Wallaby loss, and they will have a second bite of the cherry against Wales the following week.
But the latter suggestion doesn’t cut the mustard with the Wallabies who have their mind firmly set on winning all seven games to bring back Bill.
But they can only contend with what’s in front of them.
It’s been suggested in the British media league convert Sam Burgess has been dropped from inside centre to the bench, with Lancaster deciding to give the brittle Brad Barritt another crack at 12. Back from a chest injury, Jonathan Joseph has been promoted to outside centre.
Those selections smack of Lancaster panic and will be welcomed by the probable Wallaby centres Giteau and Tevita Kuridrani – who won’t have to face the far bigger and harder to handle Burgess until later in the game when the Wallabies will be out of reach.
I’m hoping Michael Cheika promotes tireless backrower Sean McMahon to the bench, where he’s joined by new hooker James Hanson whose lineout feeding far exceeds Tatafu Polota-Nau.
Can’t wait for Sunday.
RedsKing
Guest
They really aren't. Brown is the best FB in world rugby at the moment, certainly the safest. The problem with you kiwis and australians is that you always think your players are the best. I bet not a single NH player makes it into your world team. And if they do, you are only putting them in to seem partial.
RedsKing
Guest
Nitpicky. My point and opinion is still correct.
Yeah, he would be solid under the high throw
Steve
Guest
Pretty sure the definition of "skill" is "something that is trained". You probably meant "talent". As in "something somewhat lacking in your analysis in general." As you were.
Steve
Guest
Nah? Never heard of him. Freñch?
Taylorman
Guest
Wouldn't need to be lifted in the lineout...
Taylorman
Guest
He took a high ball against the ABs and scored 60 meters away.
I wonder if Izzy can scrum? If he could he would be one hellavu utility player ;)
Taylorman
Guest
Nah, Folau, Halfpenny and Smith are ahead of Brown, in that order.
RedsKing
Guest
His catching ability is highly overrated. Brown is the safest fullback in rugby at defusing bombs.
RedsKing
Guest
David Lord, has anyone ever asked if Dean Mumm can goal kick? Might have a hidden talent! See... the thing about goal kicking is, is that it isn't actually a skill, but rather something that is trained. Wilkinson in 99 against the Boks sliced an easy kick at goal. He then spent the next 4 years kicking at goal everyday. That is how you become a good goal kicker. Clearly Quadey and Foley don't practice enough. Probably kick 5 balls at the posts from the 22 and call it a day - cause they wanna play touch cause its more fun, running rugby, entertainers of the comp, you know, all that sort of garbage that is spouted on here.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Bennalong, David directly attacked me saying that I "wasn't fit to lick Allan Border's boot" and also insulted my intelligence. His post has been deleted (as my comment directly above yours says), leaving my responses at the bottom of the thread. Shane D's comment "Aren’t there commenting guidelines around personal insults?" was also a response to David's deleted post.
soapit
Guest
unfortunately his past deeds are required to be pulled out as an excuse for his writing far too often.
Mike
Guest
They often are decided by the kickers so...get ready for a riveting finish.
bennalong
Guest
What the hell gets into you TWAS. Your contributions here are puerile and unnecessarily mean spirited. What's your justification?
ScrumJunkie
Guest
Ah no, some true greats of the game have contributed to the roar from time to time. Having said that i enjoyed this article. Had this conversation at the pub more than once. He has great power in his kick, if only he can harness it properly...
PeterK
Roar Guru
The league ball is easier to kick Debrezceni would kick further than Reynolds. He can kick 65 metres.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
John David's comment was deleted
John
Guest
Assuming you meant "prove" Soapit....found that a bit unusual! Say why you want about Lord but he's made more of a contribution to the history of Australian Rugby than every contributor on this website combined. For that reason alone, I enjoy reading his articles, whether I agree with his opines or not.
John
Guest
TWAS, can't see where David has taken your comments "so personally"?? He merely pointed out it would be nice for you to put a name to your relentless gibbering. There's actually an avenue on this great website for fan articles...perhaps you should email Patrick to ask for a start? Lord knows you've got plenty of time.