Wallabies’ five-eighth Bernard Foley will keep backing the aerial ability of high-flying fullback Israel Folau, even against the mighty All Blacks.
Foley’s cross-field kicks have proved a fruitful source of tryscoring opportunities for Waratahs and Wallabies teammate Folau in recent weeks.
He’s set to persevere with the tactic against New Zealand in the upcoming Rugby Championship, though the world champions are renowned for pouncing on the smallest opposition error deep in their own half and going the length of the field to score.
“I think we back our personnel better,” Foley said.
“I think Izzy is probably the best in the world in the aerial battles.
“The All Blacks, we’ll address that when the time comes.
“But at the moment it’s something that we’re using and it’s worked well for us, so it’s something we’ll be looking to use in the future.”
Foley’s precise kicking got the endorsement of Waratahs and Wallabies’ teammate Ned Hanigan in a rapid-fire piece of banter between the two men.
“He’s got pinpoint accuracy,” Hanigan said.
“Exactly right!,” Foley quipped.
“Nothing to worry about,” Hanigan added.
New Wallabies blindside flanker Hanigan got his first start as a second rower for the Waratahs in last Saturday’s loss to the Jaguares.
Although he was considered primarily as a lock at the start of the season, Hanigan prospered in the No.6 jersey after being switched to blindside flanker by Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson following an injury to Jack Dempsey.
“I probably prefer six, it’s a bit loose and it gives your ears a bit of a rest,” Hanigan said.
“But being in tighter, you get a few more ball carries and eye gouges in the maul, so it’s all good fun.
“Each position comes with a fair bit of enjoyment for me.”
Neil
Guest
What a lot of drivel, Ken. If there are stats, show them. Until then, Cooper is simply inconsistent. Moments of brilliance interspersed with rubbish play. Friday night was a good example of this. I would like a better alternative to Foley, but Cooper isn't even close.
taylorman
Guest
As Bill once said, what's in a name huh??
Kelefua
Guest
Move worked well for Maroons on origin night. The 'kick pass' isn't limited to just someone with Folau's height & skills unless it's in traffic. Create the space with a good kicker & anyone who can catch its a good play.
Kelefua
Guest
Lol @ Piru;)
Playerfromwayback
Guest
Nice one Piru!
Playerfromwayback
Guest
Hahaha that chestnut is getting around a fair bit now?
Ken Catchpole's Other. Leg
Guest
Cooper is the best 10 in Australia. Has been so for 6 years. Win/loss stats, and defence stats would support this.
Internal Fixation
Guest
Haha. Down by 4.... Tell him his dreaming
Marto
Guest
30 seconds to go, down by four , 15 metres out from the AB`S line, Foley crosskicks to Folau who towers above the pack, the ball flies 10 meters over Folaus head.AB`S win....
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Well spotted, That wasn't my intent. If only I had thought of that, it is quite a clever bit of comedy.
Hoy
Roar Guru
Tell me what aspects of the game you think Foley has that are so much better than Cooper?
Neil
Guest
So who do you think should be the alternative 10, Piratesrugby? There simply is not a viable alternative, no matter whether Foley is not up to the job as you seem to think. Are you proposing we consider Cooper? Give me strength. He produces five minutes of reasonable rugby in an eighty minute game and all the idiots come out of the woodwork screaming ‘the Messiah has risen’. Cooper isn’t in the same league as Foley and can’t be considered as an alternative, unless Foley is injured. Hopefully the next years will spit forth a couple of alternative 10's, but til then we are stuck with the devil we know.
Jemainok
Guest
The aussies need to win the tight 5 battle, gl wit that though. If they don't Foley won't have time to pick his nose let alone put up pin points up and unders. Win the forward battles and the Aussies backs will look like world beaters again. Lose and Foley will have a hard day at the office.
Jemainok
Guest
This is the guy who said NZ rugby is a bit soft, compared to Aus and SA rugby or something of that nature a couple years back. Then Kaino introduced him to his shoulder and his shoulder buried him in the Eden park turf. So essentially you have to take anything Foley says with a grain of salt.
taylorman
Guest
Oh, I thought your money'd be on Folau, not Izzy.?
PiratesRugby
Guest
These clowns barely tested Scotland and were lucky to beat Italy B. On top of 3-0 to England and smashing by NZ last year. If the Wallabies get within 20 points of NZ they should think themselves lucky. Australia will NEVER win the Bled or RWC with Foley. Every time he is picked in the starting XV an angel cries.
Brizvegas
Guest
Marto could give the Wallabies that 16th man that could help i guess.
Dave_S
Roar Rookie
He will be remembered as the most mediocre regular 10.
Dave_S
Roar Rookie
Yeah more likely a centre now and would still go well.
piru
Roar Rookie
I think that means "We keep selecting underperformers"