'There’s still a bit of the unknown': Bernard Foley opens up on wild Bledisloe finish

Fri, Sep 16, 2022, 5:13 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Wallabies and All Blacks played out an all-time classic in Melbourne

Bernard Foley admits he's still trying to process the past 24 hours after a crazy opening Bledisloe Test.

The Wallabies flyhalf got the hosts back into the contest with two great try assists before a controversial delay of game call allowed the Kiwis one final chance to claim a 39-37 victory in Melbourne.

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“There was a bit of confusion with personal on the field for us so just trying to get a call, it was pretty loud in the stadium with 55,000 people,” he explained to reporters on Friday.

“My conversation with him was he had told me to hurry up but time was off so he didn’t really mention there was going to be any further action than starting the clock.”

Whilst the result was disappointing, the playmaker paid credit to the young side, defying three yellow cards and an 18-point deficit to give themselves a chance to win late in the game.

“There’s still a bit of the unknown, trying to digest the whole situation but in saying that, we have to try and move in,” Foley said.

“Extremely proud of how the guys just kept backing up, it was a great arm wrestle and advertisement for Test match Rugby.

“For the lads to stay in the fight and come back from the (18-point) deficit and have a chance to win was pretty incredible.”

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie was full of praise for the 33-year-old, playing his first Test since 2019 after injuries to Quade Cooper (knee) and Noah Lolesio (concussion).

"He controlled the game really well and his goal-kicking was exceptional," Rennie said of Foley. 

"He's very confident, he gives a lot of confidence to people around them so I thought he had a big game."

The Wallabies will head to Eden Park looking to break a 36-year drought at the famous venue, with Foley's performance giving Rennie plenty to ponder with Lolesio expected to be available.

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