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Wallaby Folau back to basics in Test win

Wallaby Israel Folau says he's trying to keep things simple and it's working, the fullback crossing twice in Australia's 37-14 Test win over Fiji in Melbourne.

Israel Folau (centre)
Wallaby Israel Folau says he's trying to keep things simple and it's working. (AAP)

Israel Folau has embraced the KISS method and it's proving a match winner for the Wallabies.

Fullback Folau hadn't scored since June last year in Brisbane against England, but crossed in each half to help the Wallabies to a 37-14 win over Fiji in Saturday's Test at Melbourne's AAMI Park.

The 28-year-old said he'd simplified his approach to rugby, hence the Keep It Simple Stupid method and was happier than ever.

"I was just trying to go out there and have fun and I definitely enjoyed that," Folau said.

"I simplify a lot of things and, when I'm trying to do too much or things that are out of the norm, I tend to push things or not be myself.

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"I'm a simple man ... I just went back to enjoying myself and smiling."

Folau admitted it was easier to focus on his role at fullback without the noise about whether he was better suited to the centres.

"My preferred position is fullback and I really love playing from the back," he said.

The Test was a reunion with Wallabies debutant Karmichael Hunt, with whom he played rugby league at Brisbane, for Queensland and the Kangaroos.

The two are the only athletes to have played those codes, as well as AFL at the highest level.

"I was definitely proud and excited for him," Folau said of Hunt.

"Obviously, he's gone through some challenges and he definitely deserves the spot.

"I was pumped to see him in the gold jersey and, to play alongside him again, there were some good memories."


2 min read

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Source: AAP



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