Bernard Foley wants clarity around plans to rest him and fellow Wallabies from Super Rugby games ahead of this year’s World Cup.
It is understood Rugby Australia has begun discussions with coaches of the four franchises about resting their Wallaby stars for multiple games this season.
The move, designed to keep the Wallabies fresh for September’s showpiece in Japan, mirrors a policy that has worked effectively for many years for two-time defending world champions New Zealand.
But just who will be rested and when remains a mystery to NSW Waratahs and Australian No.10 Foley two weeks out from the season opener.
“Hopefully, there is a plan and we’re not just playing it by ear,” Foley said.
“There needs to be a balance around the amount of football we play and getting the right amount of rest.
“You’ve seen the All Blacks do it well, but it’s going to be tricky (to balance) and we need a plan to make sure both campaigns (Super Rugby and World Cup) are maximised.”
Foley joined his Wallabies teammates in a January pre-season camp which he said focused on fitness and bonding ahead of the World Cup.
Newly appointed director of rugby Scott Johnson has been added to the set-up alongside coach Michael Cheika after the Wallabies had slipped last year to sixth in the world.
But Foley said there was no talk of the new structure, or whether under-pressure assistant coaches Stephen Larkham, Nathan Grey, Simon Raiwalui and Michael Byrne would remain in their posts for the main event.
“That might be finalised once Scott is finished with Scotland (as director of rugby in March),” he said of the coaching set-up.
“We won’t get much time together as a group after the Super Rugby season, so the camp was a valuable chance to get together, do some hard work and talk about what it’s going to take (to win in Japan).
“We haven’t spoken about it but it’s definitely the goal; we don’t want honourable defeats.”
Foley was rested from the trial loss to the Highlanders with the the Waratahs’ other Australian representatives. He is unlikely to play in their final pre-season hit-out on Thursday against the Brumbies in Goulburn.
Over here
Roar Rookie
with hooper?
Over here
Roar Rookie
hooray. finally I see someone who sees the same things I did. foley is given carte blanche by the national coach to hide on the wing in defence. quade misses some head on tackles or goes too high defending at #10 and gets hung drawn and quartered for it. not blaming foley for this, just pointing out that people should compare oranges with oranges. a #10 is supposed to set his backline on fire or drive the forwards when required. foley is a good tradesman who tries hard.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yep, agree with that, he doesnt shirk the tough stuff, he is a certainty for the tournament and he has the confidence to demand he and others are managed to give oz the brst chance. What more can you ask for from your main playmaker? Leadership and confidence is something thats lacking in the oz camp and foley had a pretty good Wcup last time, at least vs England. Hes older and wiser and is well aware of his shortcomings, which he will have gleaned from every third article on the Roar during the last few seasons. Yet here he is, still pushing hard on the teams expectations. Oz could do worse.
Shane
Guest
As long as you have great character you will be a Wallaby. That`ll do me. No wonder we are so insipid. Bernard Foley has never been up to it. He is a sevens players who was shoehorned into the 10 role 5 years ago when Quade was injured. The real Wallaby 10 is playing for the Rebels in 2019.
The General
Guest
courage, competitivess and commitment to the jersey .PURRRRRRLEASE. Those 3 C words do not make you a competent or good player on the pitch though do they. How about we select on " form skill and rugby intellect " first. Time for a change, we have seen dumb aimless rugby for 3 years with those same players. P.S Teflon Foley needs to pack his schoolbag and go.
Locky
Guest
How many of the commentators have fallen for a 6’10 or 130kg behemoth throwing a dummy and scoring like Foley did ? Fixed it for you Ken.
Rhys Bosley
Roar Pro
Agreed on Foley’s character KCOL, whatever people think are Foley’s limitations, nobody can question his courage, competitivess and commitment to the jersey. Personally I think those characteristics are the most important ones a Wallabies player can bring.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Rhys, I don’t agree with the low rent comments here running Bernard Foley down. How many of the commentators have gone low on a 6’10 or 130kg behemoth as Foley has? There is no need for these snide attacks from behind masks of anonymity. He is a courageous and capable utility back, who has made a decent fist of ‘caretaker 10’ for multiple years. However, he has been overworked. IMHO, he should have been starting from the bench for the last 4 years while Cooper and a Cooper heir(s) took the reins. As it has happened Foley, a courageous and talented, but limited, 10 is the most overworked 10 in world rugby, and Australian attack is arguably the worst. It’s not Bernard’s fault. He doesn’t pick himself. Someone else is responsible for tactics and selections. The off-the-ballers on this thread may have an excuse for anger. But it should not be aimed at this courageous servant of Waratah and Wallaby rugby. Aim higher lads. Your target is in a box up in the stands.
RahRah
Roar Rookie
They could leave him on the bench for the Wallaby matches.
Rhys Bosley
Roar Pro
How is it arrogant? The players have been told that key Wallabies are to be rested and Foley is obviously one of those players, he is just commenting based on the facts. Personally I think it is good that he cares about how his club goes as much as his country, I would be more worried if he didn’t care and was just looking forward to a bit of a mid season holiday.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Yes for at least 12 months Bernard.
Danny McGowan
Roar Rookie
Personally, whether you like Foley or not as a 10 , I think he is absolutely right here, surely there must be a plan on how the players are managed through to the WC, whether they guaranteed a place or not. And I think the team must be 97% picked by now and really they and just as importantly the Super coaches must know how they will mange their teams this year.
Brad
Guest
Is Foley serious? He hides on the wing most games never tackles and in general doesn't do any work whatsoever. I hope Johnstone has some say and finally tells Cheika that Foley cannot play 10. Nard must go ,he is a liability.
Redsfan1
Guest
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Luis
Guest
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Matt
Guest
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