Statistics show why Karmichael Hunt believes Wallabies superstar Israel Folau can wreck international defences from his new position in the centres.
Folau had his best game since switching from fullback mid-season when he scorched the high-flying Chiefs with a two-try performance for the Waratahs that suggests he’ll present huge problems for England there in next month’s three-Test home series.
The 27-year-old had a hand in all six of the Tahs tries, but caught the eye with a stunning 90-metre intercept try and generally menaced the New Zealand franchise with his every touch.
Folau now leads the Super Rugby competition for metres gained, sits equal-second for carries, and is in the top six for defenders beaten, clean breaks and offloads.
But fellow code-hopper Hunt says it’s only a taste of what Folau can do as he comes to grips with his new role.
“I don’t know what his ceiling is. I wouldn’t put a ceiling on him, to be honest,” Hunt told AAP.
“I saw him grab that intercept and I was stunned.
“I watched his game the week before against the Crusaders and he was cutting them up to shreds.
“That’s what Izzy’s like, he’s a freak athlete. For him to be able to slot into 13 like he has is just a testament to how good a player he is.
“He’s going to be a handful for England, that’s for sure.”
Folau said the Chiefs game had been his best in the position but promised he still has more to give, having only played at No.13 for approximately half the season.
“There seemed to be a lot more opportunities. Things seem to be clicking a lot better,” he said.
“I’m pretty comfortable now and a bit more time will help me expand my game there.”
Coach Michael Cheika has been typically non-commital about where Folau will be deployed for the Wallabies, but it’s likely his sensational form in the midfield will force his hand.
The season-ending injury to Kurtley Beale means the Wallabies may boast a super-sized centre combination of Folau with either Tevita Kuridrani or Samu Kerevi, both also damaging ball runners.
It also means a new fullback will have to be found, with Western Froce’s Dane Haylett-Perry and Hunt the leading candidates.
chracol
Guest
Perhaps I do mean potential. But for consistency I still think he's in the same class as Ben Smith. Certainly among the top 2-3 high ball exponents. .
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Player talks up team/squad mate. Never had that happen before!
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Cut the Crusaders to shreds? .. he made one great run and it was a beaut beating JordanTaufua to set up the try for Horne ... but I do not recall one other 'shredding run', I also do not recall him making a single tackle (though some one suggested to me that he made one ... I must of missed that one on the replay as well. I think Izzy Folau is a great player but him cutting the Crusaders to shreds while losing in Christchurch? ... I must of been watching a different match.
Not Bothered
Guest
Just get him out of 15 and into 11, 14 or 13 where he belongs and always has.
Not Bothered
Guest
Well Folsu isnt in the top 50 outside 10 if we are considering his last few games at that level and not using fantasy to judge. Folau was not great in his last internationals mate and even at fullback he is behind le Roux, Smith, Brown, Hogg and a few others but hey Im judging on last year and not.....what are you judging him on exactly? Folau has the potential to be that player you are talking about but he sure as sh-t hasnt been yet.
chracol
Guest
Is Hunt is saying how well Folau goes at 13 because he want the 15 spot? Folau is the best player in international rugby at the moment outside 10. There can be no doubt. Who's better? If Cheika builds his team around Folau in his Waratah's hybrid 13-15 role it means he's got to find a 15 who can dominate the front line when Folau moves back. Don't think that's Hunt.
cuw
Guest
“I saw him grab that intercept and I was stunned. I watched his game the week before against the Crusaders and he was cutting them up to shreds. " oooops has he gone back to that stuff ...... :P
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
'“There seemed to be a lot more opportunities. Things seem to be clicking a lot better,” he said.' Although don't listen to him, or the fact that he's leading the competition as a runner, but to those who say he would be better at fullback and should stay there. It's best not to change anything in general as a rule in life and so he must remain where he is.