Israel Folau has placed the onus on Australia’s tactical kickers to be more accurate to ensure he sees more ball in the Wallabies’ series-deciding Test against Ireland on Saturday.
Folau has been deadly in the air for the NSW Waratahs all Super Rugby season but struggled to make the same impact during the first two split Tests against the European champions.
The Irish have expertly nullified the champion fullback with “escort” runners taking Folau out with clever lines, a tactic that Wallabies assistant coach Stephen Larkham questioned in the wake of Australia’s 26-21 second-Test loss in Melbourne last Saturday.
Folau, though, has no qualms about the tourists’ “blocking” ploy to combat him and is demanding his NSW state teammates Kurtley Beale and Bernard Foley be more pinpoint in the series decider at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium, the trio’s familiar home patch.
“Obviously I didn’t get many touches on the weekend so hopefully I get a few more opportunities to get my hands on the ball as much as I can and just play some footy,” Folau told AAP on Tuesday.
“I put it down to the execution on our kicks. It wasn’t where we wanted to place them (in Melbourne).
“They were a little bit further than we’d liked and a bit more infield, which makes it a lot easier for their guys to escort.
“In saying that, they did a great job with their escorting but hopefully our execution on our kicks can be a little bit better where it can give us a free run and a jump at the ball.”
Despite their lack of success with the tactic, Beale maintains high kicks for Folau and winger Dane Haylett-Petty is still the way to go for the Wallabies.
“They’re obviously pretty aware of that tactic now so we’ve got to try to manipulate them in other areas of the field by maybe holding onto the ball, getting to another edge and seeing what their back-field does,” Beale said.
“Then we’ve got to be good enough to see that and be able to execute the kick.”
After another prolific campaign for the Waratahs, Folau is try-less against the Irish – and “hungry” to break the relative drought in what also shapes as a blockbuster battle for the world No.2 ranking.
“It’s something that I don’t look to do going into the game but if I find myself crossing the line for a try, it’s always a great bonus,” said Australia’s attacking trump.
“The most exciting thing for this weekend is just trying to find my hands on the ball and providing those opportunities.
“The last couple of weeks hasn’t been going that way, so I’m pretty hungry and eager to try and put myself in the game to get as many touches as I can.”
[latest_videos_strip category=”rugby” name=”Rugby”]
piru
Roar Rookie
Are they kicking to the exact spot? Or is the chaser on the spot where the kick will be?
StuM
Guest
How'd you go?
Adsa
Guest
We played Drongo
Drongo
Guest
They go to the Wallabies and live in constant damnation on the roar.
Fionn
Guest
His kicking game seems to have improved this year, Markus. Really good to see.
Fionn
Guest
'To all the knockers saying he just needs to work harder, take a cold bath. Watch the NZ teams, they kick pass and land it on a dime, the running player has the ball land right in his hands.' You've got a point, but so do the knockers. Ben Smith and DMac go looking for work and put themselves in position as either first or second receiver when the play isn't going there way. It is something that Kurtley and Le Roux are brilliant at doing from fullback too. Izzy too often shows a limited idea of how to get involved when the play isn't going his way.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
I have never had much good to say about Folau's boot, mainly because it has been as rare as rockinghorse excrement. The few times I have seen it, it has been high and long, and out on the full. Some real potential to tap into and could make him a more rounded player.
brian
Guest
So what is Gods plan for inaccurate kickers?
Markus
Guest
Was it Folau who got a clearance kick away under pressure out to the 10m line in Ireland's half? He actually does have distance off the boot (far more than Foley), he should work on getting his consistency and clearance speed up and it could be a real strength for him, especially against defensive lines that would rarely be expecting him to kick to the corners.
tyrone
Guest
Maybe he could learn to kick the ball properly and do it himself, if he kicks it he should know where it is going. I guess it is always someone elses fault.
In brief
Guest
Folau is 100% correct. He has amazing aerial skills that are being wasted. Not even superman could have reached half the kicks last weekend. If they put the ball in the right Folau will either win the ball or create huge pressure. Without doubt our best backline player and needs a team which can play to his strengths. To all the knockers saying he just needs to work harder, take a cold bath. Watch the NZ teams, they kick pass and land it on a dime, the running player has the ball land right in his hands. They do not run in field, across field towards the opposing forward pack, they kick to space.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Article references battling out for #2 ranking, if Aussie win do they go to #2? And yea, it has been well covered Izzy needs to look for more work and not just wait for the high kick pass to run and catch.
Marlin
Guest
Obviously the over rated one picks himself for the games. Should be dropped to the bench for mine - along with KB and Foley - all were rubbish last outing but that’s Cheika for you- they’ll be playing - like Moore - for about 4 seasons too long. Let’s see plan B gentlemen - plan A has been hacked by Ireland - please show some match intelligence and play what’s in front of you. How come Powell hasn’t had more than 30 mins when the ejit in the cow suit just keeps being picked? Cheika has got to go
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Cheika Game Plan: Step 1 - Give it to Izzy Step 2 - Blame the forwards if it doesn't work. There are 14 other players in the team, use them.
Council
Guest
So how about go searching for the ball Folau. Watch old videos of Bender. Watch him and how he looks for the action, the best places to stand ready for the ball. You don't sit back and just chase kicks all day.