Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

Folau ends debate with return to Test form

Israel Folau believes he has rediscovered his groove at fullback after scoring back-to-back doubles for the Wallabies.

Israel Folau of Australia celebrates his 2nd try
Israel Folau believes he has rediscovered his groove at fullback after scoring back-to-back doubles. (AAP)

The debate around where Israel Folau is best deployed for the Wallabies looks like it might be over, once and for all.

Folau believes he has rediscovered his groove at fullback after a tough period at Test level and reiterated it is the position where he feels most comfortable.

One of few highlights for Australia in their hollow 24-19 defeat to Scotland on the weekend was Folau's spectacular try on the stroke of halftime, as he leapt high above Greig Tonks to grab a crossfield kick from Bernard Foley.

It was Folau's second five-pointer of the match and his second double in the space of eight days, after going 12 matches without scoring for the national side.

The 28-year-old has spent most of the past two years playing at outside centre for the Waratahs in Super Rugby but coach Michael Cheika ignored calls to move him there for the Wallabies.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Cheika now seems fully vindicated, particularly with Folau playing at fullback again for the Tahs in recent times and in a rich vein of form.

"Everything always comes down to a team perspective," Folau said on Monday.

"From a personal point of view I feel fullback is where I can give my most input for the team.

"I was pretty open to playing at 13 and I guess it's a positive thing (to experience different positions) because you add a bit more to your game.

"But I know within myself fullback is the position I love playing and where I play my best rugby."

Folau said players knew straight after losing to Scotland how many opportunities they left out on the field and where they needed to improve ahead of their final June assignment, against Italy in Brisbane on Saturday.

But on a personal note, Folau said he was thrilled with his own performances and delighted to have turned back the clock with his soaring try.

"It probably reminded me of back in the rugby league days," Folau said.

"I really enjoyed that one. I was obviously very excited.

"I've really been enjoying my rugby and just trying to make the most of each moment or opportunity I get within the game.

"I'm loving it at the moment."


3 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world