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.”
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.”
taylorman
Roar Guru
Dont get what all the fuss is about. We have Ben Smith switching from fullback to wing often. Folau, 15, 14 who cares, hes playing isnt he? Way too much fuss over nothing.
mzilikazi
Roar Pro
"Hanigan fits the ‘Hooper’ mould of Australian Rugby poster child – blond, Sydney boy." Only went to school in Sydney, but is a country boy. Born in Dubbo and raised in Coonamble. That in the long term should stand him in good stead. Agree about his being too slow for a 6.....lacks that short distance speed too. He could turn into a very good lineout player, but will have to wait and see if he becomes a good carrier with significant impact. He certainly has had far too much game time thus far at this level....needs to brought on more carefully.
Cliff Bishkek
Roar Rookie
SMI, even with the plan, the "top 2 inches" or lack thereof will definitely impact this team for a very long time.
Cliff Bishkek
Roar Rookie
Piru, now do not be picky. Cheika says he knows and he is listening. What to, I have no bl..dy idea!!!
Sheikh
Roar Rookie
Hanigan fits the 'Hooper' mould of Australian Rugby poster child - blond, Sydney boy. But Hanigan falls between positions for me - a bit short for a lock (1.94m) and a bit slow for a blind-side flanker.
Campbell Watts
Roar Rookie
"they’ve been rushing a fair bit. We’ve got to look at how we can profit from that..." God please not Kurtley and his chip kicks again!!
piru
Roar Rookie
"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." Almost as if he's a winger, like we've been saying for 5 years
Hoy
Roar Guru
The amount I am hearing from Hanigan lately, I have a real worry that RA is propping him to be a key component of the team...
Sheikh
Roar Rookie
Is this Hanigan hinting that the Wallabies actually have a Plan B? Or is Plan B, to keep doing Plan A until it works? Mind you, good to see DHP staying at full-back and Folau staying on the wing. Folau might prefer to play full-back, but both have played better in their 'new' positions.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
“But if you just have that dream and no process about getting there you might lose your pathway.” There's no might to it, they are guaranteed to get lost without a plan and a top 2" we have not seen this year!