Israel Folau has welcomed Karmichael Hunt’s audacious bid to steal his Wallabies No.15 jumper as the dual international battles through the most challenging season of his five-year rugby career.
Folau’s Super Rugby form has mirrored the NSW Waratahs, with neither the star player or struggling team able to find top gear during the first half of the competition.
The tournament’s two-time top tryscorer has crossed just three times in nine games, matching the Waratahs’ meagre return of wins, as he’s shuffled between fullback and outside centre.
Folau on Tuesday said he was unfazed at being dubbed overrated by former Wallabies coach Alan Jones, but conceded his performances had been down.
“I’m always holding the bar pretty high and holding those high standards to the way I think I can play and I’ve got to say it’s been a challenging year,” he said ahead of the Waratahs’ hosting of Auckland’s Blues on Saturday night.
“But there’s no excuses. Everything’s come from my end.
“Even though it’s challenging, it’s a great time to also grow as a person and as a player.”
“That’s really what I’m taking out of this whole situation; just not getting caught up in. (I’ll) just try and push through and take it as it comes I guess.”
Folau’s Waratahs edged Hunt’s Queensland Reds 29-26 in a tense conference derby last Saturday night in Brisbane.
Once again, though, Hunt excelled for the Reds to continue his push for a Wallabies debut this winter.
“I’ve caught a a few of the highlights on the way the Reds have been playing and one thing that I’m really happy about and is good to see is Karmichael playing well,” Folau said.
“I’m stoked to see that. He’s playing with a lot of confidence and he did that again on the weekend against us, which is great to see.”
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is on record as saying Folau remains his first-choice fullback, particularly with Dane Haylett-Petty racing the clock to be fit for the first Test of the year against Fiji on June 10 in Melbourne.
Folau, though, remains wary of his former Brisbane Broncos, Queensland State of Origin and Australian Test rugby league teammate.
“It’s a healthy thing when guys are really pushing each other,” Folau said.
“For me, it’s always a time when I have to really earn the jersey. I’m never thinking that I’m always going to get that jersey on.
“So it’s great to see guys like Karmichael push and hopefully he does get the opportunity to put that gold jersey on because I’m sure he’ll make the most of it.”
Tommy
Guest
Good on ya mate I from nz what I think'no one believes me. I said its Australia's forwards, they are not good enough. For example let's swap Folau an Ben smith, do you think ben's going to light up any Aus team NO why cause there 's no go forward for Ben to run on to.
Vic rugby
Guest
Wing is it now. I remember when he was best playing centre..... Until he did
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
I don't think he has been that poor, Rhys. He alone beat the Brumbies unfortunately...
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
He was out injured for a while and had a cracker on his second game back. I didn't see much of the Kings game, I dosed off and missed the second half. Did he do something stupid like going into contact and dropping the ball? He also has a proven kicking and defensive game which short of a form slump, gets him on my list and streets ahead of Izzy who has neither.
cuw
Guest
there is no need to learn , when ur position is not under threat. :) ( i can relate to that , but then i do have skills for my job position :) )
Hoy
Roar Guru
Who is a wa supporter? I agree, I think Folau will be first picked at 15... There is no way he should be.
Ben
Guest
Ive said for years his passing is poor and esp highlighted his left to right pass as being below par. Some on here disagreed and said theres nothing wrong with his passing. I just cant believe after all this time he plainly hasnt worked on improving that aspect of his game. Of all the skills its probably the easiest to go away and improve.
Rhys Bosley
Guest
His form is worse than Folau this season.
Ruggerphil
Roar Rookie
Folau is a winger......he should never have been moved from there is the first place. He kicking is poor and his passing is worse. Just give him the ball and let him run. He is not and will never be a centre.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
And so are the Wallabies, Wet and Sky Blue
Rt
Guest
Folau states that he is playing below his best. Thanks for the heads up. In other news water is wet and the sky is blue!
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
I don't know why we don't right now. The 5 SR coaches and the Wallaby coach would be a start.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
I am pleased to see that Folau has humility and talks (at least) in a way that is in the spirit of the best interest of the game. I think our collective outrage is misdirected. Izzy is who he is, It is not his fault Cheika keeps selecting him. Cheika is the one that should be strung up by his thumbs. Folau isn't his only Blue Monocle mistake. I an hoping that Cheika will be afraid of a public lynching and backlash if he selects his under performing unbalanced favorites again.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
You forgot Niavalu.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Sure, but Folau's only fullback skill is to catch a highball and run forwards in a straightish line. Dagg and Smith dominate territory with vision and precision long range kicking. Oh, yeah ,and they know how to defend.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Londoner said he is best as a winger, not the best winger. Which is an interesting social message, We all assume he will start for the Wallabies, not sure where, and only a few can correctly explain why. Niavalu is our Form 14, Speight 11. Nambuli and others are lining up to take a shot. Folau would be lucky to make my top 10.
Jock Cornet
Guest
Bs, Folau is first picked at 15 only wa supporters think differently.
Old Bugger
Guest
Then again P2, what has changed, from last year?? Nothing really. Cheiks starts his test campaign with players from 5 franchises, that are languishing in the bottom, of the SR competition. He has turmoil in the HO and players, who seem to be somewhere other than, on the paddock where they need to be. I'm surprised he has any hair left for this season.
piru
Roar Rookie
He wouldn't make the All Blacks as a fullback - he can't kick
piru
Roar Rookie
See, it's silly comments like that that cause us to have to dis the poor guy when he's already struggling. How can anyone read this ridiculous remark and not immediately point out the DHP is a better kicker, a better defender and reader of the game? How can we sit there and not remark on the fact that Hunt also kicks better and is a lot hungrier and involves himself far more than Folau does? Folau doesn't make the Wallabies on his current form as he is not the best in his position - he's not even close at the moment.