Israel Folau is in danger of losing his role in the attacking front line despite delivering his most energetic display in months in the NSW Waratahs’ Super Rugby loss to the Sharks on Sunday.
Folau’s try-scoring double couldn’t save NSW from a 37-14 defeat in Durban and now coach Daryl Gibson says the entire backline is under review following the Waratahs’ first fruitless tour of South Africa in the 21-year history of the competition.
Returning home empty-handed – without even a bonus point – after heavy losses to the Lions and Sharks plus a shoulder injury to fullback Andrew Kellaway has prompted Gibson to undertake a total rethink ahead of the Tahs’ crunch match on Saturday night with Australian conference leaders, the Brumbies.
“We’re still looking at exactly what our best combinations are around that backline so at the moment everything’s up for review,” Gibson said.
Folau is averaging almost a try a game since Gibson switched Folau from fullback to outside centre in round eight last year.
And after enduring a lengthy try-scoring drought at international level, the dual John Eales Medallist has rediscovered his mojo in the midfield for the Waratahs this season, crossing three times in as many games.
But with Kellaway under a fitness cloud, Gibson may have little choice but to move his chief strike weapon back to No.15 against the Brumbies at Allianz Stadium.
“We’ve had a number of niggles and injuries so that may also force our hand there,” Gibson said.
“But it’s more looking at our effectiveness and are our combinations working and have we got our men in the right spots?
“(Against the Sharks) Israel had a goal to really get himself into the game and I think he handled the ball probably the most for a long time.
“So he’s really tried to get himself into the game so the real positive from that was that he was one of our best performers on the night.”
If Folau does revert to fullback, Rob Horne could shift from the wing to the centres.
Even Bryce Hegarty’s five-eighth spot is under threat despite his respectable performances deputising for Wallabies playmaker Bernard Foley, who remains “a day-by-day case” after missing the first three rounds with post-concussion syndrome.
Gibson said he hoped to have injured forwards Jed Holloway, Will Skelton and Ned Hanigan all back available for the Brumbies crunch match as Australia’s two most successful franchises strive to improve on ho-hum one-from-three starts.
“Brumbies-Waratahs; big fixture, particularly with where both teams are at and the points in the conference,” Gibson said.
“Any game against Australian competition is going to be crucial so we’re looking forward to being back on our own track and back at home and really putting together an excellent performance.”
taylorman
Roar Guru
Well one reason is because he plays rugby, and when one does big hits in rugby it can give your side a significant advantage. Another reason is he's big, and a back, usually a Fullback, and fullbacks are traditionally expected to play a defensive role, and that means tackling. And when you tackle, the harder you tackle the more effective it is, and the more impact it can have on the outcome, and possibly result. Rugby 101 really. And this is test level. Does that answer that question?
Blackfish
Roar Rookie
DHP drops too much ball and has a poor read in defence as was seen last year. Folau should be FB and only FB, he is the only player that can catch, pass at speed and find gaps. Maybe Beale comes close but not DHP. Folau is not winning the games for Tahs and WBs due to the pathetic skill sets of the forwards and inside backs. He is the game winner when given the chance.
Blackfish
Roar Rookie
Why would Folau need to put on big hits?
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
I'd honestly love this, mate (at least your starting team - although Arnold might be preferred to Simmons). IF Beale proves himself then I'd be just as happy with Beale at 15 and DHP shifted to Naivalua's wing and Naivalu put onto the bench. Unfortunately I expect to see nothing like that, however...
Marto
Guest
The correct Wallaby team should be....If all fit 1 Sio 2 TPN 3 Kepu 4 Simmons 5 Coleman 6 Higgers 7 Hodgson 8 Timani 9 Powell 10 QUADE 11 Naivalu 12 Kerevi 13 Kurindrani 14 Folau 15 DHP 16 Latu 17 Slipper 18 Talakai 19 Rodda 20 Hooper 21 Hodge 22 Beale 23 Phipps
Jimbo81
Guest
Play him wing or not at all. DHP is wallaby FB, Kurindrani is 13. Tell your story walking or take some high balls on the wing and start paying back the massive investment!
LifestyleSpecialist
Roar Rookie
I think Cheika had it right with Folau....defense play him at FB and on attack play him up in the line with the 10 dropping back. A roaming winger is the only other option for Folau. His defence and ruck work, as pointed out above, isn't up to scratch. For a big guy I can't remember ever seeming him put on a big hit. With Cheika's approach you get the best of both worlds with the only vulnerability being change from attack to defense in case of a quick turnover. Defensive line resetting could be a bit of a problem.
ethan
Guest
Do it already, I don't understand Folau at 13. His best strengths are taking high balls and counter attacking in space. His biggest weaknesses are defense and ruck work. Playing at 13 requires more use of his weaknesses and less use of his strengths. Doesn't make sense! Due to an average kicking game he probably makes a better winger than fullback, but I've no doubt he makes a better fullback than centre.
Old Bugger
Guest
Folau should be forced to the wing spot.....for the Tahs and the WBs. His whole NRL career, was spent on the flank so it beggars belief, that just because he changes code, to a game he last played 10-12yrs ago, that he will now do wonders, as an FB. Oh, that's right - he got the FB job because, of his back-ground playing AFL where his job was, to leap for the ball. But, and forgive me for saying this, this is Australia after all where, winter sports players are being pursued, by the 4 major winter codes, throughout the country. Perhaps, that explains why there seems to be positions made for players, rather than, players made for positions, within the Aussie rugby fraternity.
Ray
Guest
Sad to say, and setting aside their constant lack of discipline, the Tah's are simply not good enough.
Paul
Guest
Go the Brumbies !
Daveski
Guest
I'd like to see Simone given a couple of games at least outside Foley rather than Hegarty. Thus a Folau, Robinson, Horne ( or Con Foley), Simone, Taqele, Foley, Phipps backline with Horwitz, Gordon and Cam Clark on bench. I'd be telling Phipps to put his kicking boots away and have a darn good first forty or Jake will be on for the second half.
Cynical Play
Guest
the earth is flat
Paul
Guest
Folau is a winger. .Nothing more
Cynical Play
Guest
Resist Daryl...resist!! Already some depth issues showing up at the Tahs. If Kellaway is out then makes sense to drop Dizzy back, Horne to 13, Horwitz to 12, hopefully Foley back. Nearly-a-volvo comes into starting wing, Robinson other wing.