The sight of Israel Folau leaping for a mark in June lit up Allianz Stadium, but whether he has the chance to replicate in a sky blue jersey remains to be seen.
Folau’s aerial skills have long been a trademark of his, but it’s been few and far between since his switch for rugby.
Bernard Foley pulled off a cross-field kick to great effect for the Wallabies in Sydney, with a Folau making a spectacular finish against Scotland.
While he stopped short of declaring they’d be employing the cross-field tactic more often, Folau said he and Foley would be working on adding to their skills base..
“Obviously I am always confident in the skills and ability I have,” he said.
“It’s a matter of working together with Bernard and I think that’s a bit of a next phase for us, in terms of expanding our game.
“Not just in that area, but in all different areas of our game.”
Folau said only training would make the practice instinctive, in the same way that many of their Kiwi rivals seem to find.
“Those are things you train for and a guy like Bernard, who has a great kick, he can put the kick on the spot,” he said.
“If you want to work on little skill sets and combinations, you always try to do that in training but it matters the most when you do in a game.
“We are always open to learning and sharpen up our skills.”
The Waratahs will on a Pasifika jersey this weekend, in recognition of the Pacific Island heritage scattered among their team, with the design inspired by the players’ tattoos.
Though injury has robbed lock Will Skelton of a chance to don the jersey in his final home game, Folau said its significance would be felt.
“The patterns come from the Polynesian guys in the team.
“They have a few tattoos and the designs have come out of that. It has come out really well.
“We are just really grateful we are getting the recognition and we want to make the most of it.
“It is something we are obviously proud of and we take it as a bit part of who we are.”
The Waratahs take on the Jaguares on Saturday night, kicking off at 7:45pm AEST LIVE on FOX SPORTS and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.
