Wallabies game breakers Bernard Foley and Israel Folau will take ownership of a youthful Waratahs backline in the coming Super Rugby season.
Several of the young guns will be unveiled in Thursday’s final trial against an All Blacks-laden Highlanders side in Sydney.
While Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson has named six Wallabies in their starting pack, centre Folau and five-eighth Foley are the only internationals in a young backline, with Test veteran Rob Horne expected to miss the opening round Super game through injury.
Halfback Jake Gordon, inside centre Irae Simone and winger Harry Jones will all get their first start in the senior side.
Asked about his role in guiding the youngsters around, playmaker Foley drew a comparison with the NFL’s Super Bowl-winning quarterback.
“Just ease those guys into the game, a bit like the Tom Brady effect, just allow them to do their job,” Foley said.
“In the past couple of years I’ve looked around and you had the likes of Adam Ashley-Cooper and Kurtley Beale, guys who have been stalwarts in Super Rugby.
“Now looking around in that backline there is a bit of a void, but it’s a challenge I have to take up along with Israel.
‘He’ (Folau) has been in the game now for a number of years and we’ve been given a bit more ownership or a bit more accountability in making sure this backline lives up to it’s full potential because there is a lot of good talented guys there.”
He described Gordon as a quality player and said powerful New Zealand-born Simone had “set the place on fire.
‘I think he’s an extreme talent. He’s a big guy and he doesnt shy away from the contact.
“He’s been really impressive, especially in trying to fill that void of the second ball player, with Kurtley gone.”
Foley would be happy to see his old frend Beale back at the Tahs if he decides to come back after finishing the current English campaign with Wasps and welcomed the return of rival five-eighth Quade Cooper to Queensland.
“With good fly halves in Australia it’s only going to be better for the Wallabies and their Super clubs,” he said.
“It’s great having the calibre of player that Quade is back in Super Rugby and I’m sure he’ll do really well for the Reds this year.”
NSW Waratahs starting team to face the Highlanders:: Andrew Kellaway, Reece Robinson, Israel Folau, Irae Simone, Harry Jones, Bernard Foley, Jake Gordon, Michael Wells, Michael Hooper (capt), Jack Dempsey, Will Skelton, Dean Mumm, Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, Tom Robertson.P
Boomeranga
Guest
When Jones was coming through the story was he had a big kick off both feet. It'd be great to have that in the team if true.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Cynical view Mark. How about the sustained high level of performance Brady has put out. How about the way he has squeezed every bit of talent he has out of himself. The guy is an absolute icon & has proven that with the right conditioning & discipline anything is possible.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Guest
And your opinion about 'everyone's' snigger about Quade is based on what stats exactly, Vic rugby?
Marto
Guest
Quade *
John R
Roar Guru
Pretty sure that was Jones mate. I know for sure he scored himself a ripper individual try, chipping long and collecting for himself. Can't recall seeing Horwitz get any tries.
Vic rugby
Guest
In all fairness everyone is sniggering at qaudes return
Boz the Younger
Guest
Was it Jones or Horwitz who scored off the chip chase up the middle of the park at the tens? I was very impressed with that and thought that bloke will be one to watch this season.
jeznez
Roar Guru
It's why Foley can't kick very far, he's deflated the ball!!!!
jeznez
Roar Guru
It isn't far away is it? Holloway in to 8 and the pack will be pretty much as expected. Keen to see Hanigan off the bench try and push for a starting lock spot. Although since Holloway is listed on the Tahs team page as a lock, it may perhaps be him and Hanigan fighting for Mumm and Skelton's spots with Wells and Wilkin competing for 8. I note, John's comment below on Harry Jones but haven't seen much of him. Between Cam Clark, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Reece Robinson and Jones we've got to omit at least one until Horne is fit. I was leaning to Clark and Taqele as the main wingers - for a big bopper and winger who can play as a second fullback. (I'm yet to be impressed by Robinson) Although if the Grey defensive patterns are used and Foley plays in the back field an out and out flyer may be more useful than the 7s convert.
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
The "Tom Brady" effect historically involves cheating........not sure I'd want to channel too much of thst ?
Marto
Guest
With good fly halves in Australia it’s only going to be better for the Wallabies and their Super clubs,” he said. “It’s great having the calibre of player that Quade is back in Super Rugby and I’m sure he’ll do really well for the Reds this year.” Don't worry Bernard you can still play horrendous rugby and will still be picked by your buddy... We know you Cheika and Hooper are sniggering at Quade coming back..
John R
Roar Guru
Harry Jones looked great at the tens. The guys got some serious wheels on him. If he and Robinson firm as the preferred wingers we'll have plenty of pace out wide. Probably not as much as the Rebels. But not too shabby. Robinson just needs to learn to take some bloody contact and stop kicking it ahead everytime the cover defense comes across!
Paul
Guest
With possibly just a bit of rotating on the wings till the 2 best options appear, this is just about the side I'd like to see when the actual season starts.