Code-hopper Israel Folau has spectacularly celebrated his Super Rugby debut with two tries in the NSW Waratahs’ 24-16 trial win over the Melbourne Rebels in Hobart.
Folau looked a fish back in water as he swerved to beat three Rebels and put the ball down one-handed before wildly celebrating the five-pointer with teammates in the 12th minute of the four-tries-to-two victory at North Hobart Oval.
The former rugby league international and AFL marketing tool produced the goods with just his third touch in the 15-man game.
He repeated the dose with the last play of the game, crossing in the left corner while playing outside centre.
He might have had a third try in the 34th minute but unselfishly offloaded for winger Cam Crawford when Folau could easily have crossed himself.
And on an eventful evening for the former Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos star, Folau was yellow-carded for a 54th minute breakdown infringement, helping the Rebels score a try through Tom English two minutes later.
Starting at fullback, Folau’s kicking game was non-existent as the Waratahs made good on coach Michael Cheika’s new attacking mantra.
But he got a feel for his new game with a big tackle on a flying Lachie Mitchell in just the second minute.
Folau had switched to the right wing before he was carded in the second half of the opening trial for both franchises, played in front of 9751 people, and also spent time on the left.
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans was one interested spectator but was reluctant to single Folau out.
“It’s good to see him playing rugby,” Deans told reporters.
“He’s obviously playing well.”
Rebels and Wallabies winger Cooper Vuna briefly sent a scare through his camp when he copped a shoulder knock but it was revealed to be a stinger, and not on his troublesome left joint.
In a four-quarter game, the Rebels led 6-5 at the first break following two penalty goals from James O’Connor.
The Waratahs led 12-11 at halftime after Crawford’s second quarter try.
They scored first in the third through Pete Samu for 19-11 before English hit back to make it 19-16.
Folau’s 81st minute effort, beating two defenders, capped the Waratahs’ win.
