Fullback Israel Folau hopes to reap rewards from halfback Will Genia’s return to the Wallabies starting side, which signals an intention to run the ball in Saturday’s Test against Argentina.
Genia, who came off the bench in Australia’s last two Rugby Championship matches, has relegated Nic White to the reserves for the crunch match in Rosario.
White is joined on the bench by Waratahs playmaker Bernard Foley, who is in line to make his Test debut after replacing winger Chris Feauai-Sautia in the only changes to the match squad.
The introduction of Genia at halftime in the 28-8 loss to South Africa last weekend in Cape Town triggered a significant improvement in the Wallabies’ attack.
With White noted for his kicking game, the recall of Genia, not long ago regarded as the world’s best No.9, is an indication of how the Australians want to play.
That’s good news for Folau, who said he felt much more comfortable with a running game and was determined to get more involved.
His greatest attribute when he started his NRL career in 2007 at the Melbourne Storm was his finishing, with the go-to play a high kick into the in-goal by halfback Cooper Cronk that was a constant source of points.
The Wallabies recognise that and plan to exploit it, if they can minimise their errors.
“Some of the moves that we wanted to play last week were specifically set up for that but every time we set it up we’d get the ball turned over,” Folau said.
“It’s frustrating because there’s opportunities there, we’ve just got to take them.”
Folau said he’d looked back to his league days, at the Storm and Brisbane Broncos, to help him through his latest code switch after a season in the AFL.
“I take a lot of things, most of the stuff that I try to relate to now when I’m playing rugby goes back to playing league.
“I just use different scenarios and situations that I’ve been through to try and help myself get into the game.”
The Wallabies need to crack their second win of the Rugby Championship over the Pumas to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon.
Folau felt the team could look to the Storm for a blueprint for success.
“At the Storm we had a core of players who led the team both on and off the field.
“This is what we’re trying to get to with the Wallabies.
“We’ve got some great leaders in the team but it’s something that we’ve got to build.”
Wallabies: Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, Joe Tomane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Ben Mowen, Michael Hooper, Scott Fardy, James Horwill (c), Rob Simmons, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, James Slipper. Res: Saia Faingaa, Benn Robinson, Sekope Kepu, Sitaleki Timani, Ben McCalman, Nic White, Matt Toomua, Bernard Foley.
