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Cheika sticks with Folau on the wing, Haylett-Petty at fullback

26th September, 2018
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26th September, 2018
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Israel Folau appears likely to retain his freedom to roam against South Africa as the Wallabies look for ways to sharpen their misfiring attack.

The long-time fullback was shifted to the wing on his return from injury against Argentina with coach Michael Cheika rewarding in-form Dane Haylett-Petty with an extended stay in the No.15.

Folau’s performance was remembered for his decision not to pass to an open Bernard Foley, for what would have been a match-winning try at the death on the Gold Coast.

But the code-hopper had earlier scored a brilliant try and saw plenty of ball as he pinch-hit with strong carries infield in a performance that ticked plenty of other boxes.

Cheika says he’s keeping his options open ahead of Saturday’s Test in Port Elizabeth, but conceded that Folau starting on the wing had seemed to unlock his true value.

“That’s probably a good way of thinking about it,” he said.

“He can do different things … South Africa will bring a high line speed, they’ve been rushing a fair bit. We’ve got to look at how we can profit from that type of pressure we can put on the opposition.

“No matter what, he is the type of player who can float around a bit and we want to get the ball in his hands as much as possible.”

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The Wallabies trained twice on Tuesday and, in a rare twist during this year’s Rugby Championship, don’t appear to be carrying any injury concerns into the their first clash in the coastal city since 1963.

Australia sit last in the standings after their shock loss to Los Pumas but have made an effort to keep emotion out of it as they search for their best form ahead of Japan’s World Cup next year.

“We’ve obviously got a dream of winning the World Cup, it’s 100 percent what everyone in the room wants to do,” back rower Ned Hanigan said.

“But if you just have that dream and no process about getting there you might lose your pathway.”

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