Israel Folau is intent on delivering for the Wallabies in his first-time Test start in the centres, now that he’s settled his future.
To the surprise of the All Blacks, and possibly the annoyance of coach Michael Cheika, Folau confirmed he’d be wearing the Wallabies’ No.13 jumper in Saturday’s final Bledisloe Cup stoush of the year
A stand-out performer during stints in the centres for the NSW Waratahs in Super Rugby in 2016 and 2017, Australia’s backline ace is confident he can also step up at international level as the Wallabies attempt to restore some battered trans-Tasman pride in Yokohoma..
“It hasn’t changed too much from the role I’ve been given probably the last month or so playing for the Wallabies. I’ve been attacking there at 13 anyway,” Folau said on Wednesday on the eve of Cheika’s official team announcement.
“So it’s not too much of a change. The number on the back of the jersey is going to be the difference.”
Folau’s biggest challenge will likely come in defence, not that he’s worried at all.
“Even though I haven’t spent that much time defending there, I’m feeling comfortable to do that,” he said.
“It’s something that you kind of embrace as a professional athlete.
“I’m confident in having to defend there up front. It’s all about the connections with guys inside and outside of you.
“So, if we’re on the same page there, I’m very comfortable in reading what’s in front of me and making the tackle.”
Folau’s shift to the midfield alongside playmakers and long-time Waratahs teammates Kurtley Beale and Bernard Foley has opened up a position on the wing.
Cheika was leaning towards recalling Sefa Naivalu, who can also cover 13, but also has young guns Jack Maddocks and Tom Banks at his disposal.
All Blacks five-eighth Beauden Barrett had been expecting Folau to again start on the wing, as he did for the past three games of the Rugby Championship after Cheika’s switching of Dane Haylett-Petty to fullback.
“For the first two Bledisloe Cup games we analysed them (the Wallabies) a lot and we saw the way they played and changed in those two games,” Barrett said.
“Over the next few days as we are preparing we will probably pick up a few new things.
“There is potentially going to be a new midfield combination and Israel Folau on the wing.
“Those are some of the things we will have to do our homework on.”
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Thanks mate!
awa
Roar Rookie
Attack from behind?..
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Cheika doesn't care about defence ????
Etepeus
Roar Rookie
According to his comments he has been playing centre anyway - another cunning ploy by Cheika, put a number on the Jersey but then play the player in another position, that will fool everybody.
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
Not sure was a stand-out performer there for the Tahs. My memory of it was that he struggled with the positioning in defence and couldn’t perform the distribution role of this position. This also takes away his ability to compete for kicks and will reduce the space he needs to attack in. Going to be interesting
piru
Roar Rookie
You'll never have to doubt it Make you so sure about it
piru
Roar Rookie
I see what you did there
Jigbon
Guest
I agree Fion. Totally.
bigbaz
Roar Guru
well piru , in his case , god only knows.
bigbaz
Roar Guru
haven't seen Grey defend at 13 in years , maybe that's the problem
piru
Roar Rookie
Well, to be fair he plays the same game no matter where they put him. Hard to understand how his 'catch high ball, never pass, run into isolation and lose the ball in the ruck' attack plan is going to be as effective from 13. Also his 'look busy but make no tackles' defensive plan may be targeted in the centres.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Spoken from the heart. Bookies have NZ by 16.5, it is their business to be right.
Bluffboy
Roar Rookie
Now that is Gold......
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
I am a big Niavalu fan and is ability to play/cover 13/14/11 is a big plus, and Ideal candidate. But that is on 2017 performance. This year, through injury he has had a form slump. I want to see your man Banks get a chance but there is a catch, with Foley?, Beale and Folau (not) defending the center Channel, it will be green lights all the way to the tryline. Pre-empting the usual rotating deckchairs in attack/defence, 11 and 14 need to be great defenders as they will be required to compress in and pick up the slack. I have see Banks catch runaways, stop 1-on-1 in the backfield like a great fullback, but 13 gets messy, Loosies look to punch holes in that area, This is where Rona, Sefa and TK earned their stripes. Do you think Tom can do it? If he can't, he will get labelled as no good, even though he would be playing out of position, and not be invited back. I recon it will force Matt Tamooa into 10 or 12.
Ed
Guest
Toomua, and TPN, are unavailable as this weekend's test falls outside World Rugby's three week window in November where clubs must release players for international games.
Lux Interior
Roar Rookie
Rod Davies?
HiKa
Roar Rookie
"A stand-out performer during stints in the centres for the NSW Waratahs in Super Rugby in 2016 and 2017" That's good comedy value from AAP, right there! "It’s all about the connections with guys inside and outside of you." Yes, Israel, that's correct. It's also why you won't be any good defending at 13, but don't worry... someone else will be filling that channel most of the time on defence. Why not make it Tom Banks? A good fullback/winger with speed and a good boot - don't want him showing people up in the backfield. Keep him busy trying to cover OC. (I'm joking, but seriously wouldn't be surprised.)
Lux Interior
Roar Rookie
And that reply means Fionn wins! In my fact based opinion.
soapit
Roar Guru
yes its opinion. question is if its an opinion held by those leaving
Wally
Guest
Totally agree