Smiling assassin: Israel Folau could find himself at outside centre permanently, following a string of strong performances.

by Geoff Smith –

There were never many doubts that star fullback Israel Folau could make a successful switch to outside centre. What might surprise some, is how quickly he’s making the change.

So much so, he could find himself there for the Wallabies.

Still wearing the number 15 jersey, Folau has spent recent weeks attacking at outside centre. A move that reaped rewards on Sunday, as the 25-year-old impressed with 14 possessions for 146 metres and nine tackle busts.

“I’m trying to adapt as quick as I can, according to the situation that we’re in,” Folau said.

“It’s unfortunate that we lost Adam (Ashley-Cooper) a couple of weeks ago. I think Cheik (Michael Cheika) just probably seen it as the best thing for the team, and I’m just trying to do my role for the team.

“I’m enjoying the change and if he needs me to stay there a bit longer, then I’ll just keep doing my best for the team.”

Folau scored his first try of the season in the Waratahs 28-13 win over the Brumbies and played a hand in tries to Bernard Foley and Tolu Latu.

Even more pleasing for New South Wales was the fact the performance came against Wallabies incumbent Tevita Kuridrani, who Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham praised as the best 13 in the world, just last week.

After being dominated by Folau on numerous occasions, Kuridrani left the field with a shoulder injury midway through the second half.

If that injury requires a lengthy stint on the side line it could see Folau make the switch.

“If asked, yeah for sure,” Folau said.

“Like I said, it probably goes back to the same thing, what is best for the team, and if I get given that opportunity I’d try and make the most of it. So it was just unfortunate for Tevita and hopefully his injury isn’t too bad.”

Number eight Wycliff Palu was another to find form in the fifteen point win, helping the Waratahs’ scrum dominate their opponents.

“I think there were a few scrums there that we’d be pretty happy about,” Palu said.

“But they kind of got over us on a few other ones so it’s pretty inconsistent but it’s something to work on.

“We see the Brumbies as probably one of the leaders in that contact area, so it was a big focus for us going into that game.”

After a mixed start to the season, Palu took it upon himself to lead from the front.

“I think I’ve been pretty crap in the last couple of weeks anyway. I tried to, I guess, rediscover a bit of form and I think I went a bit of a way towards that. But I’m still not happy with my game. But when you talk about contact area and they’re one of the leaders, I think it’s up to the forward pack to set up.”

The Waratahs will aim to replicate their best performance of the season when they host the Blues on Saturday night.