1
Folau remains Cheika's first-choice full-back
By Peter Thompson
Michael Cheika said Israel Folau will still be Australia's first-choice full-back this season and feels he is paying the price for his versatility.
Folau was employed at outside centre in the first seven Super Rugby rounds this year before taking the Waratahs' number 15 shirt again, but moved back when Rob Horne picked up a hamstring injury.
The 28-year-old has not been at his explosive best for the Tahs, but Cheika has given his backing to the Wallabies flyer.
"Folau's the pick there for me at this stage," said the Australia head coach.
"He's got quality and I've coached him a lot since he's been in rugby and I think that's where he's at his best when the space is there to run free.
"I understand why the Tahs need to play him at 13, it's not like he can't switch back out.
"Footy is footy he's got a few defensive things he's got to deal with, which I think he's dealt with very well, that's a challenging position to defend in and he's done that very well."
Cheika added: "He hasn't got himself as much ball as he would've liked this year, for sure, but you can see he's trying to really do the job for the team and he's had to move back and forth.
"I think the Tahs would've liked to keep him at full-back, but then they had a few injuries so they were forced to bring him back up that game.
"I think he's working really hard for his team."
Watch every Super Rugby & Wallabies match streaming live on rugbypass.com, home of the best online rugby coverage including news, highlights, previews & reviews, live scores, and more!
Trending on RugbyPass
2
All Blacks XV player ratings vs Munster
3
Suaalii strikes awe as Wallabies lose midfielder
4
Scott Robertson responds about handling errors
5
Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
Go to comments