NSW Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson believes his Wallabies counterpart Michael Cheika will look closely at switching Israel Folau to outside centre and move Test rookie Dane Haylett-Petty to fullback.
Recently moved by Gibson from fullback, Folau produced another sizzling effort in the No.13 jersey in the Waratahs 57-12 win over the Sunwolves in Tokyo on Saturday.
A few hours later in Bloemfontein, Force fullback Haylett-Petty carved up the Cheetahs, scoring two tries and running 209 metres in his team’s 30-29 loss.
Haylett-Petty played on the wing in all three Tests of the June series against England and was singled out for praise by Cheika.
The Wallabies coach was happy to keep Folau at the back in that series, but has the option of changing things for the Rugby Championship starting in August.
Folau’s continued good form and penetration at outside centre and Haylett-Petty’s impact from fullback could put pressure on incumbent Test 13 Tevita Kuridrani, who struggled to make inroads against England.
“Certainly that’s a combination (Folau at 13 and Haylett-Petty at 15) I’m sure he (Cheika) is looking at closely,” Gibson said.
“I think a lot of that will depend on the form of the other players in those positions, obviously Kuridrani (and Reds outside centre) Samu Kerevi.
“You want your best players on the field in the right combinations.”
Waratahs halfback Nick Phipps struggled in the series against England and Gibson said he had told his No.9 to go back to his strengths.
“You can’t fault his effort and commitment, it’s outstanding,” Gibson said.
“He’s very determined to show what he can do in terms of getting back to playing the way he wants to play.”
Asked about Phipps’s strengths Gibson said “his fitness is outstanding and through that his ability to get to the ball very quickly.
“And when he does, use that ability to speed a game up.
“When he comes on or he’s playing well, the speed of the game is the key.”
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
They actually have been used at 12 and 13 together.
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
Well, kind of. Except England's switch to Farrell was more about his ability to manage the defensive unit than second play maker. And let's not forget, game three with two Wallaby playmakers had the same outcome as the previous two and but for an injury time, end of tour, dead rubber try, would have had a similarly convincing score line. For all the debate about Cheika's supposed selection blunders, bottom line really is he just didn't have the quality available to him to beat that England side.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
..." Peter, did we ever really see Sonny Bill Williams and Ma’a Nonu play 12 and 13 together? No? Not really? Ever?" Well not since the RWC 2015
RobC
Roar Guru
True riddler. One great coach is greater than all players combined x 2
Richard
Guest
" You seem reasonable Karl " HAHAHA . .How condescending of you A.O.Tear Rower .. It`s that endearing quality you southerners have, that us Queenslanders respect...
Nigel
Guest
Cheika is slow when it comes to recognising that Folau is a natural at 13, HP is better served at 15 and is the long term solution to 15. What is going to happen to Kutindrani? He was a winger initially, will he be used there? There are better wingers, he could find himself out of the 23 altogether!! He is very predictable but so is the game plan, having said that I believe the Wallabies have a more than 70% chance of beating the ABs if they reproduce the last test, we have to question the aimless kicking, esp against the ABs, that will be fatal!!!
A.O.Tear Rower
Guest
A strong 'good player' presence makes a good Wallaby team. M.Hooper is being played in the same position that Jake White, R.Deans and E.McKenzie played him in. But I guess 4 international coaches dont know as much as a fanatical Reds supporter with an unhealthy hatred for anything NSW.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
I think Foley is a better bench player than Cooper. His game is somewhat similar to Beauden Barrett and he can easily cover fullback. That said, if he's the best starting option you start with him.
Karl Knuth
Roar Pro
I dont mind your team at all A.O. and it will most likely be something like that. I thought Pocock was out injured for the RC. I do think that we will continue to have issues with 3 flankers in the backrow. As I said I like Hooper, I just think we need a different balance at this point in time. I still think Cooper and Toomua could be our best 10/12 combo and I think Foley and Kerevi coming on would be fairly devastating in the second half. The rest I roughly agree with.
A.O.Tear Rower
Guest
I guess if you had 2 eyes you could see 2 playmakers. Not much hope for the one eyed supporters amoungst us.
A.O.Tear Rower
Guest
No. At Richard. You seem reasonable.
A.O.Tear Rower
Guest
Foley was good in 2 of the tests and will start. Phipps will probably get another go. Pocock will be back for the RC and will start. The 3 options ahead of Gill have all played really well except for Pocock who will get picked first or 2nd. You say "Hooper has done nothing wrong". Hooper has been Australias best forward and no doubt he will again be in the top 3 for the JE medal. I think he will probably win it. They will not drop a guy who is possibly there best forward. Yes I noticed they lost to the Poms without Mitchell, Giteau, Beale, Tomane, Pocock, Douglas, AAC and a few others. Why anyone thought they were a sure thing against a very good English side is a mystery. Even now people are looking inward instead of looking at England who were and are the better side. Apart from 1 game last year Aus has really struggled against England over the last few years. England are now under a skillfull and experienced head coach instead of guys that didnt have any experience at the top level. I think Cheika is smart enough to know not to throw players under the bus as we head forward. We all have our opinions. For me. 1 Sio 2 Moore 3 Kepu 4 Horwill 5 Douglas 6 Fardy 7 Hooper 8 Pocock 9 Frisby 10 Foley 11 Mitchell 12 Giteau (Kerevi) 13 Folau 14 Tomane (DHP) 15 DHP (Beale) 16 TPN 17 Slipper 18 Holmes 19 Skelton 20 Simmons 21 McMahon 22 Phipps 23 Toomua or Lealiifano In brackets are the positional changes I would make if Beale is availible.
Karl Knuth
Roar Pro
Is that directed at me A.O?
A.O.Tear Rower
Guest
No. Instadof thinking QLD first Cheika will select what he thinks will be his best team. Because you think QLD first you will think its all wrong. Simple really.
A.O.Tear Rower
Guest
Yeah list all the Reds. Theyre so hard done by. See the points system in the Super Rugby is even against them. They know the Reds are trying but just give the points to their favourite teams.
A.O.Tear Rower
Guest
That doesnt happen. Its all in your heads because you are QLD first, Australia 2nd. Just my opinion.
Richard
Guest
Browny, Waratahs Roebuck and Edgerton were horrendous players Injury on got them a gig, and then we never saw them again..
Richard
Guest
We still lost AO Tear Rower.. Where was that 2nd playmaker you speak of in the third test ? I only saw one.. Matt Toomua..
Richard
Guest
Oh yes I forgot Liam Gill ,he was never given a crack when POEY went down...Not even a bench spot..
ken
Guest
9 Genia 10 Quade