Wallabies five-eighth Bernard Foley believes Israel Folau could be a quality long-term outside centre and a potential contender for that jersey in next month’s Bledisloe Cup matches.
Injuries to Samu Kerevi and Tevita Kuridrani have left Wallabies coach Michael Cheika short of options for the No.13 jersey.
Waratah Curtis Rona and Rebels utility back Reece Hodge could be considered and earlier this month Cheika didn’t rule out trying Folau at outside centre, though he prefers him in his established role of fullback.
Folau played several games at outside centre for the Waratahs in 2016 and 17 and acting Tahs skipper Foley has no doubt the gifted back could do the job at Test level.
“I think he’s a phenomenal player wherever he plays, he’s a big body and he’s a guy who can get us across the gain line there,’ Foley said.
“I’m sure there will be a number of different scenarios thrown up (for the Bledisloe Tests) and Izzy there is definitely a threat and he’s a possibility.”
“I think naturally he could be a really good long term 13.”
Like Folau, Foley has yet to agree to a new contract with Rugby Australia and the Waratahs.
He suggested a decision was imminent.
“My focus has been on the Waratahs and now it (Super Rugby) is over, the focus moves straight on to the Bledisloe Cup,” Foley said.
“Something like that (contract) will definitely be done soon.”
Foley and several other Waratahs will enter the Wallabies camp in a few days following a brief break after last week’s Super Rugby semi-final in Johannesburg.
Foley won’t play in Friday’s trial match in Sydney, but believes the fixture will help Australia hit the ground running in the first Bledisloe Cup match in Sydney on August 18.
“Talking with the coaches the past couple of years, that first half of the Bledisloe is sort of where we’ve missed the jump a little bit and that’s maybe due to game time, guys not having played for three or four weeks,” he said.
Terry
Guest
Folau is a winger playing fullback, move Beale to fullback, Banks as reserve back, Genia,Foley,Toomua,Hodge, Folau,(wing) Beale (fullback) who ever on the other wing. Phipps, Banks,English back 3 reserves, you already have 3 play makers on in the starting 7 at the back.
Fraser Dawg
Roar Rookie
Those were the days and within the reason why Folau cannot play centers. https://youtu.be/wbjiEDV8Zbk
The Slow Eater
Roar Rookie
Just heard he signed with the Rebels. Eligible to play in RC this year....
The Slow Eater
Roar Rookie
You can’t prove something if you don’t have an opportunity.
The Slow Eater
Roar Rookie
You deserve kudos Fionn !! I just heard that Matt Toomua has signed with the rebels and is eligible to play in the Bledisloe this year.
The Slow Eater
Roar Rookie
Thanks. Didn’t realise that. Hope he goes well!
jeznez
Roar Guru
Nailed that backline Paul - team still not announced but that is the playing group they have put on the article announcing the Toomua has put pen to paper and will play in the RC
Highlander
Guest
My apologies for confusing you with the more willingy literate :) Someone else on these boards bothered to make their way to Manly for that trial game, I apologise for forgetting who they were.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
From what I can recall, great boot and good hands. But have not seen much of him in a long time. Will have to wait till NRC. No idea if he's still connected to the Rays or whether he'd shift down to the Vikings. I'd assume the latter.
Fionn
Guest
How is Simone outside of defence, Paul? I know he is a good ball-runner, but how are his passing and kicking skills?
Paul D
Roar Rookie
I haven't written an article about it. Stringing enough sentences together in a mildly coherent manner for comments is the most I can manage. I'm a numbers guy. I remember my pre-season anticipation of a Simone/Folou centre pairing after Simone's excellent showing in the NRC, but was left bitterly disappointed. I think the backline is pretty well sewn up 9. Genia 10. Stewart 11. Koriobete 12. Meakes 13. Hodge 14. Niavalu 15. Banks Forward's, probably as Jez stated above.
John R
Roar Guru
“Before there is a major following of a team that eventually has to go that is.” Recent history would suggest that this does not go down well with the constituency!
jeznez
Roar Guru
Don't worry H, isn't going to happen here. The article is fake news using quotes out of context.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Giving them a rest after the flight back from Jo'burg, main aim of the match is to get some rugby in to guys that haven't played for a couple of weeks. Tahs have had a QF and SF that the other guys haven't. Is then a bonus that getting that matchplay into the other guys also gives us chance to look at some other selection opportunities.
Highlander
Guest
Two years ago I wrote up a summary of the Tahs v Highlander preseason game at Brookvale. Centre pairing that day was Simone/Folau Truly Horrible Wrote that this will not last a month when season starts Didn't last that long. Paul D wrote a summary of the game with similar conclusions if I recall correctly.
aussikiwi
Guest
I don't think Queensland has seceded quite yet Jimbo?
Lano
Roar Guru
nor aggressive or abrasive enough, Folau needs space to swing his legs.......he could not stand the heat at 12 or 13
John P
Guest
Why are the eligible Waratah players excluded ?, don`t they need any trial games? They locked in already ?
jeznez
Roar Guru
I'm just piecing together stories off rugby.com.au - I assume everything through there is a vetted RA message. Don't think there is an "official" statement as such. There was one story that said Hodge and Rona front runners with Cheika stating Folau as another option, then a follow up saying Cheika won't move Folau and considers Rona a winger. Then one today referencing Wessells and endorsing Hodge and English as the options. That coupled with another story saying Cheika specifically requested English get the Super Selection OC jersey is where I infer it all from.
jeznez
Roar Guru
You are right - just came off some heavy pain meds this morning so going to blame that! That solves my question regarding how they fit Naisarani in, direct swap for Samu in that list above.