Wallabies fullback Israel Folau has found some vintage form at Test level, and he says it’s reflective of a maturing world view.
The fullback had his third double in as many Tests, in the Wallabies’ 40-27 win, continuing a vein of form that has been missing for Folau in recent months with the Waratahs.
Though he has said in the past it has been the simplification of his rugby that has sparked his turnaround, when asked about a return to the form that saw him light the rugby stage up in 2013 and 2014, Folau went a bit deeper.
“With all the challenges that’s been in between that time I guess those things really help,” he said.
“Without those obstacles or challenges you can’t really grow as a person and move forward.
“Even going forward I know things won’t always go smoothly but you’ve really got to try and enjoy each moment you get regardless if it’s a good moment or not so good.
“It’s always a lesson to learn as a person and keep growing.
“At the end of the day it doesn’t define me as a person and it’s only a small part of my life but I really enjoy it and try and make the most of it.”
Folau has been the finisher for an improving Wallabies backline and finding himself on the end of a pinpoint Karmichael Hunt pass to score one of his two on Saturday excited plenty of fans, as well as the man himself.
“Everyone as a whole backline is gelling nicely. I’m really enjoying playing with 'K', he’s a senior player within the team,” - Israel Folau.
“With only three Tests to his name he’s leading well and pretty vocal out there on the field.
“He’s playing some good rugby at the moment and it’s good to see.”
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has said he won’t be backing down from his attacking approach to games and Folau backed his approach.
“I’d like to think guys are going into the game with the same approach whether we’re playing the All Blacks or Italy or Fiji,” he said.
“We’ve got some great guys with really good skills and we want them to use those skills.
“Those 50-50 passes didn’t go to the mark but we weren’t go into our shell but we’ll look to find a balance.”
