Wallabies vice-captain Michael Hooper doesn’t expect Karmichael Hunt’s terrific Super Rugby form will be enough to dislodge Israel Folau from fullback.
But Quade Cooper has urged selectors to give the code-hopper a shot in June’s internationals against Fiji, Scotland and Italy, predicting he will take his game to another level in the Test arena.
Hunt is arguably the form Australian fullback and has been a consistent performer for the Queensland Reds, aggressive in his defence and relentless in his attacking support play.
The 30-year-old has more line breaks, line break assists, try assists, offloads and tackles than Folau, who has played most of his rugby at outside centre for the Waratahs.
“I’ve been impressed by Karmichael’s willingness and desire to play hard rugby,” Hooper said.
“Particularly playing (against) him a couple weeks back, he was wanting to get involved, wanting to get his hands on the ball.
“I’ve really been enjoying watching him play because you just want guys who are fronting up and just trying really hard.”
With Dane Haylett-Petty racing the clock to be fit for next month’s Tests, it remains to be seen whether Wallabies coach Michael Cheika will stick with the incumbent Folau or reward Hunt with a start at fullback.
“It goes back to the coaches and what they see,” Hooper said.
“I know Izzy’s a very consistent performer and has been one of our best performers in the Wallaby jersey for however long now, so I’m not expecting things to change there.”
If not fullback, Hunt looms as a solid bench utility option as he has previously played in the centres as well as five-eighth for the Reds, to varying degrees of success.
Whatever the position, Cooper reckons he deserves to be in Australia’s best 23.
“He’s got a lot more to give,” Cooper told AAP.
“He’s one of those guys if there’s a big moment in the game, he’ll step up to it.
“You put him in a gold jersey and he’s going to find even more in himself.
“You can see he’s starting to play the game a phase ahead. He knows not only where the space is, but where the space is going to be.”
The Reds have the bye this week and will face the Western Force at home and then the Blues in Samoa before Super Rugby’s international break.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
I like my wingers to run fast, my full backs to have situational awareness and my 13's to be able to bend and break the line, step and run. Izzy is a natural 13, if you can justify his selection in front of Tavita and Samu, give him the 13 jersey. Personaly, I Pick TK to defend against the AB's and the Poms, Samu everywhere else. But it is still a coin Flip. Izzy if both are injured.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Fionn, Do you remember Beale gifting the AB's a try in the final? You might want to put that one in the "Against" column of your "I Love Courtly" poster that you have next to the mirror. Fun aside, he has done well for the Wasps this year. The question is whether or not he has what it takes at international level. In my opinion, it hasn't been proven but I would like to see him given the chance. I think Hunt, DHP and Hodge all do a better job. And Billy Meaks is looking like a future prospect at 12. Who would you drop to make way for him?
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Even at the Tahs: Kelaway at 15, Horne at 13. Folau seems to shove them out of the way as well..
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
The media is estimating that Sean MacMahon is getting paid in the order of $300k per year My maths says that we can have 2 Seans if we don't give Folau his $500k Wallabies Bonus and another 3 if we drop him all together. 5 Seans for the price of 1 Israel is a pretty good deal. Unless it is Israel Dagg, then the conversation would go a bit differently.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
I disagree, Super Rugby form is the only current information about form that is available. Would you pick Nick Frisby based on this form in last years internationals? Or forget him based on his recent SR form slump. By your logic, we should bring back George Greigan, He has proven test performance at 9. Sure, proven test performance can be used to differentiate between to players with similar, excellent SR Form. but it shouldn't be a primary criterion. Match Fit, Best in the position, Does all roles expected, then preference with proven national performance.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Phil, MacMahon actually plays the number #7 role for the Wallabies to allow Hoops to go gold prospecting in the back line. Sean should not be criticized for his skills as an 8 because Cheika doesn't see value in the position and sacrifices it so Hooper an work his magic in the 12 channel. So direct your anger at all the #8 duties (Ball runner, Lineout, Scrum and Maul, Breakdown) that Hooper isn't doing. MacMahon, is covering all the #7 ones.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
I like the idea of MacMahon starting with Hooper! But with one Minor twist: Put Fardy or Ross H-P on the Blindside. oh, yeah, and: Swap Higgers for Hooper.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Fionn, No. DHP is injured and I can't have players without match fitness in my Wallabies Squad. I would rather have a player that has 97% of the skills of an in form DHP over a 75% out of Form DHP. There is no room for passengers, even if they are my mates. I can't criticize Chieka for the same thing and then back flip when it is one of my players.
Phil
Guest
Yes,Fionn,I can't believe that McMahon would be unhappy with Cheika's treatment of him.He was just about always selected when available,even in unsuitable positions like 8. I can certainly believe he would be upset with the ARU and handling of the Rebels/Force fiasco,though.
piru
Roar Rookie
Cry all you like but DHP is not very good Compared to who? He's the best fullback in Australia, easily
PeterK
Roar Guru
The silver lining could be Higgs gets chosen. With Fardy and McMahon gone it opens the door. However I expect McMahon to be chosen this year and then Pocock to partner Hooper next year. Just like I expect a second playmaker at 12.
Fionn
Guest
Grief. God help us. On a side note, did you hear McMahon is considering signing with Japan? According to Wayne Smith at the Australian he is unhappy about his treatment by Cheika (if true, I think this is a bit unfair, as Cheika has tried to get Sean into the 23 whenever he wasn't injured), but one must assume the lack of clarity about the Rebels' future is also affecting his decision. Bad times for Australian rugby if he leaves.
Stu B
Guest
When we are broke can we afford to pay a very average player a $mil then pay another player with a similar dubious background another $mil to do the same job.I would much rather see $2 mil spent home growing our own players,who knows we may finish up having 15 players willing to play hard in the green and gold jersey.Just sayin like.
PeterK
Roar Guru
I have read from 2 different sources that he has not been invited into any of the wallaby camps they hold through the year (Paul Cully was one , can't remember the other). Of course I am inferring from that he won't be selected and that McMahon will start with Hooper.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
You may or may not be correct. Not many go straight from First XV to NRL, but rather into the 20s system. A system Rugby would kill for in this country. But there are definitely a large number that come from a rugby background. Regardless my point was more centred around Garry claiming that Folau "was/is a fizzer, always was, always will be". Obviously Garry only started watching rugby in 2016. Which is fine. But best to keep the big statements to himself.
P2R2
Roar Rookie
....“I know Izzy’s a very consistent performer and has been one of our best performers.....what!!! did I read that right??? he has been ABSENT and always gets shown up by the ABs but yeah let Cheika-the-Choker pick him...ABs wont mind one bit...
Jock Cornet
Guest
Izzy and Hooper have win Cheika a super title and got the wallabies to a RWCUP final. Form on the board so will be 1st & 2nd picked. Hooper is playing out of his skin.
In Brief
Guest
You could make the same argument for the NRL with 20% of first grade kiwis, many of whom went from first 15 to first grade in the so called toughest comp in the world.
Fionn
Guest
Don't think Folau kicks as far as DHP, and definitely not as accurately. Basically agree with the rest. The two Ks should be the centres and we should play a second playmaker at 15 – copy the Kiwis is the best strategy. Never liked Folau at fullback, hasn't played well there since he got injured at the 2015 WC (and I know some people rave about his form during the England series, but his shocking pass changed the momentum of that match and, in my opinion, largely cost us it).
Fionn
Guest
'What is a real shame is Higginbotham won’t even make the squad. He has not been invited to any of the wallaby get together camps through the year.' You know this for a fact, Peter???