Australia’s rugby fans have picked four uncapped players in their Super Rugby team of the year – but it’s an exclusion rather than any inclusion that’s causing a stir.
For the first time in his five-season rugby career, superstar fullback Israel Folau has failed to make the Peoples Choice Team of the Year.
In the poll conducted by the Rugby Union Players’ Association (RUPA), fans voted for Folau’s Wallabies teammate and Western Force ace Dane Haylett-Petty as their No.15.
There was also no room in the centres for Folau, with Queensland Reds star Samu Kerevi winning the No.13 jumper, while the Melbourne Rebels’ uncapped rugby league convert Marika Koroibete and Brumbies flyer Henry Speight named as the two wingers.
Despite dominating Michael Cheika’s 34-man Wallabies squad for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship, the NSW Waratahs only had two players picked – new Test captain Michael Hooper and his vice-captain Bernard Foley.
There is double cause for celebration in the Haylett-Petty family with his second-rower brother Ross also earning a place in the fans’ team of the year.
Western Force centre Billy Meakes and his teammate, dynamic halfback Michael Ruru are the other two uncapped players to make the team.
For the first time in the competition’s history, a Japanese international has been selected, with freshly resigned Rebels star Amanaki Mafi the overwhelming choice in the No.8 jersey.
In total, six Force players made the XV, a further reflection of the standing of the franchise that finished second in the Australian conference yet remains on the Super Rugby chopping block.
Four players from the conference-winning Brumbies – Speight, flanker Scott Fardy, lock Adam Coleman and prop Allan Alaalatoa – made the team.
RUPA’s Peoples Choice Team of the Year: Dane Haylett-Petty (Western Force), Henry Speight (Brumbies), Samu Kerevi (Queensland Reds), Billy Meakes (Force), Marika Koroibete (Melbourne Rebels), Bernard Foley (NSW Waratahs), Michael Ruru (Force), Amanaki Mafi (Force), Michael Hooper (Waratahs), Scott Fardy (Brumbies), Adam Coleman (Force), Rory Arnold (Brumbies), Allan Alaalatoa (Brumbies), Tatafu Polota-Nau (Western Force), Pek Cowan (Force).
tamaolevao
Roar Rookie
So typical of armchair critics dont rate folau but who else is there ....... plenty of outside backs in Australia have had a whole season of super rugby to dethrone folau but its obvious there is no one else close to his skill and ability so the premise of this article is to use folau as a scapegoat.....
Gonzo
Guest
Reminds you of Federer? Fed is considered the GOAT of Tennis. I'm not sure if that's an extremely generous comparison for Folau or insulting to Fed.
Charlie Turner
Guest
Timbo, you don't think Lance is a shot?
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Has the most to offer and the least to mess up there. Still would Choose Niavalu, in his absence, Hodge and DHP to cover the Wing/Fullback Pairing.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
A peek behind the stats curtain "The try was going to get scored anyway" Nice one.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
My take on Folau: A master under the Highball. A great attacking runner. So where do you put him? 13? - No Defensively too weak/inept. 15? - Not a rugby brain, requires years of experience to develop Smith/Dagg level intuition and field position. 14? - A pretty average offensive kicking game. 11? - Too Slow, A decent Winger needs Jet shoes. So the logical answer is 13 in attack, 14 in defense. But Kerevi is better at 13, Niavalu and DHP are both better at 14. Why compromise the team dynamic to insert 1 player, who frankly was phoning it at the start of the year and only stepped up 2 weeks before selection time. He is a great player but not in enough roles, He just isn't the best on offer.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Meakes 12, Kerevi 13. Maybe a typo in the source.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
If he wants his buddy Beale in the run-on side he is going to have to move or lose Folau. DHP is going to cop it in the neck. Mack Mason needs to be given a starting spot at 10 in SR. He is our last Hope. Garden-Hoe and Hiabusa are not eligible and are blocking local development.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Yes. And there are 2 11's and no 14 with a decent kicking game. I would Put Niavalu at 14 and leave Koribete out (for now). Speight has a better head for Rugby,
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Averaged 2 per Game. Same as Niavalu and he was on the field for less minutes. Finishers are going to finish. The try is scored by the team, the bloke putting it on the ground is just the last one to touch the ball.
Stu B
Guest
Yes we are slow learners,Izzie is a great athlete but a super star international full back not.Cost a fortune,a legend in the press lunchbox,has scored some great tries early on but the better teams soon worked that out.Diobolical positional play on defence (follow the picture frame sat week when the All Blacks score long range tries)Issie will be jogging along behind as a try is scored then will give the slick back a hand groom while standing under the posts.Nah!! Should the ARU be desperate for another Campese do not attempt to buy one put the precious millions on the ground where we just might grow our own rugby legend.
Stu B
Guest
Yes we are slow learners,Izzie is a great athlete but a super star international full back not.Cost a fortune,a legend in the press lunchbox,has scored some great tries early on but the better teams soon worked that out.Diobolical positional play on defence (follow the picture frame sat week when the All Blacks score long range tries)Issie will be jogging along behind as a try is scored then will give the slick back a hand groom while standing under the posts.Nah!! Should the ARU be desperate for another Campse do not attempt to buy one put the precious millions on the ground where we just might grow our own rugby legend.
Bob Wire
Guest
That would be a good,balanced trio of loosies, they would at least have a chance against Read, Cane and Kaino. Of course it will never happen, pity. I wonder who will end up with Hooper in the loose? Will they hold their own in the RC?
Cynical Play
Guest
Show me better stats by an Oz 15 please?
Kelefua
Guest
Folau overrated? Well I guess it depends how much you rated him in the first place. There has been comparisons with Folau vs Ben Smith or Israel Dagg, as a natural athlete sure Folau has some handy attributes particularly under the high ball. But as a fullback performing their core role, Smith & Dagg are a class above. Like others here I believe Folau is best suited on the wing. That's where he'll contribute the most for Wallabies with his athletic attributes & special skill sets.
dontcallmeshirley
Guest
I think everyone knows Folau should be on the wing except the one person that selects the team.
Hannes
Guest
It may almost be the fan's team vs the Tahs anyway. You may be right, unfortunately there is no way to test it.
Mark
Guest
If genia played hooker and coleman was half back and kepu played wing they all would perform sub standard. Play players in the right position and unleash the talent. Folau needs to play wing.
Winston
Guest
It's always extremes with the Aus rugby mentality to their stars with a media that fans the flames. He was way overhyped in the beginning and now people go too far the other way. Just like QC, James OConnner and Beal.
Rhys Bosley
Guest
It is when you don't see him that is the problem, i.e. He is always out of position in defence.