Israel Folau was ‘very pissed off’ with match-winning teammate Tevita Kuridrani after the Wallabies get-out-of-jail win over Scotland, the damaging outside centre has revealed.
With the chance to break an eight-game tryless streak – the longest of his career – Folau’s eyes lit up when he trailed Kuridrani in support with five minutes to go and the tryline in sight.
The scene was set for Folau, in his 50th Test, to be the hero – only for Kuridrani to dummy and take on Scotland fullback Stuart Hogg.
After being tackled short of the line, the 25-year-old showed great composure and skill to reach out and plant the winning try on the line – with Folau among the first to celebrate with him.
But, with coach Michael Cheika also hinting that the safer option may have been to dump the ball off to Folau, Kuridrani joked the code-hopping star had been less than impressed.
“He was very pissed off with me but we’ll deal with it after,” Kuridrani said with a grin after admitting he heard Folau’s pleas for the ball.
Kuridrani was simply determined to score in order to make up for a first-half defensive error.
But the lack of a five-pointer, and the extension of his try drought to nine games, did little to curtail Folau’s influence on the win.
The dynamic fullback is back to his high-flying best, and caused headaches for Scotland’s defence throughout the 80 minutes while his offloads remain a constant source of spark for Australia’s attack.
He also leapt high to recover two kickoffs and was comfortable as ever with whatever kicks Scotland sent his way.
While reluctant to single any player out for praise, Cheika credited Folau’s hot form with a settled off-field life with the 27-year-old recently becoming engaged to New Zealand netball star Maria Tutaia.
“We’ll have to get all our blokes engaged,” Cheika joked.
“He’s really happy, he’s in a good space and that’s when lads generally play good footy.
“He’s quite clear about his role within the team. I think he’s enjoyed having some younger guys, newer guys on the tour that he’s been able to look after and nurture. He’s just enjoying his rugby.”
Blue Balls Fan
Guest
Folau is overrated. Name another fullback that can't kick the ball?
Matt
Guest
Israel Folau should be upset as he was unmarked with the line open. Full credit to Tevita Kuridrani on breaking tackles but the reality is thatTevita Kuridrani has a poor pass. He has been in the professional environment, has been an outstanding player for Australia yet still lacks the necessary passing skills of a outside centre.
John
Guest
Red Kev was dribbling and now you've started. Must be a full moon.
Cliff (Bishkek)
Guest
Precious!! Best this morning!!
Cliff (Bishkek)
Guest
Dribbling - and you accused Red Kev of dribbling!!
Cliff (Bishkek)
Guest
He was not really in a better position - go back and watch it - a Scot was close to Folau and Folau did not run a good line
Cliff (Bishkek)
Guest
TM - cannot satisfy many on here. A look at the tires and I see not concerns with both Hodge and TK doing what they did. Confidence.
Cliff (Bishkek)
Guest
There was a Scot very close to Foalu's shoulder and as someone said on another post - Folau did not run a good line - he crowded into Kurandani. So TK backed himself and okay - it is called Rugby and at times people back themselves.
Cliff (Bishkek)
Guest
Frank - wrong. Speight was covered or close to it. And the Scottish player did not fully commit to Hodge and so Hodge stepped him - showed and stepped. For me right decision.
John
Guest
Ignoring the point Taylorman.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Ok, we'll take the try back then, Scotland... and John... win...happy?
Chinmay Hejmadi
Roar Guru
Yeah. Click-bait headline.
cuw
Guest
well, considering the number of passes that were spilt in the Wales first half , with try line open , no wonder everyone wants to hold on to the ball :D
cuw
Guest
@ taylorman do u know the difference between a football player and a schoolboy?? one times the pass AND the other passes the time :D hope all is well in NZ after the tsunami.
John
Guest
Cool story TMan but off point, ignoring the fact that Kurindrani won't and can't pass...Herewini may have been known for his cunning/deceipt but Kurindrani is not. Feel and and logic aren't a part of his game - he's a selfish player with a limited skill set.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Taylorman, this brought a real smile and a chuckle: 'Yeah so one tries to pass and fails, the other fails to pass, and succeeds, and it’s the won who succeeded that’s in the wrong? Loving that logic. No wonder they’re having problems?' Very well played, sir.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
I think that the fact that so much of the time the Wallabies mess up simple passing and catching somewhat legitimises trying to run it yourself, especially if one is confident that they will be able to make it
Rugby til I die
Guest
Izzy is doing so much on and off the ball for the Wallabies, he doesn't need to score tries to prove his worth.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Reminds of an old Mackie Herewini story from a Ranfurly shield match with Auckland. Mackie, known for his cunning and deceit on the field took the ball up with only the Fullback to beat. A simple pass to the unmarked winger and they're in in the corner. Mackie all but delivers the pass for which the fullback goes for the winger but instead throws a massive dummy and scores under the posts to win the match. The winger on return to position says geez I thought you were going to pass the ball! Mackie replies 'Exactly, so did the Fullback and 50,000 others'? Sometimes you just gotta go with what feels right, not what is the 'logical' thing to do.
Dave_S
Guest
totally, tman. TK was able to score and he did. The rest is coulda-woulda-shoulda stuff. How many complaints have we seen this week about WBs pushing the pass? Too many people want it both ways, it seems.