ISRAEL FOLAU IS well on his way to becoming one of the biggest stars in world rugby, if he is not already in that pantheon.
But even the much-lauded Australian fullback knows a legend of union when he sees one. Asked which Irish players he felt were dangers to the Wallabies’ chances of a win in Dublin this weekend, there was only one name on his lips.
“Obviously playing in the backline they’ve got O’Driscoll. With his experience, he’s a big part of the team and that. He has a crack and that’s something his teammates really admire about him. So it’s going to be the same on Saturday. We’ve just got to try and contain him and be ready to play.”
While Folau understandably mentions that Ireland have “great players all over the park”, it is natural that O’Driscoll is the most well-known name to a man who only started playing professional rugby union in February of this year. His rise ever since has been nothing short of spectacular.
The 24-year-old excelled at rugby league, before transferring to union via a relatively unsuccessful spell in the AFL. Folau is a special athlete, and union defenders have struggled to get to grips with his long, powerful strides. There is a sense that even still, the Waratahs fullback’s power and footwork can surprise opponents.
“Maybe in some way it kind of helps, but I’m sure they do their work and watch their video footage on different players. I’m the same; I go into games not knowing too much about the guy, but I certainly do my homework on different players to try and contain.”
Having ditched league and union, there will always be the worry that Folau is the next Sonny Bill Williams, and not just because of their physical freakishness. However, the dual-code international says he is feeling at ease in union.
“I signed on for another two years and that’s all I’m worrying about for now. Obviously it’s my first year of rugby, so I’m enjoying the experience so far. I kind of feel like this is home now so I’ll try and build on what I’m doing this year.”
Folau’s ultimately ill-fated but lucrative stint in Aussie rules saw him taken under the wing of an Irishman, so there is some affinity with the country he is visiting to help the Wallabies win. Setanta Ó hAilpín was at the Greater Western Sydney ‘Giants’ club at the same time as Folau and proved something of a mentor.
“Last time I saw him was with the Giants in the AFL. I think he just got married so he’s a pretty busy man at the moment.
“Yeah he was [a mentor]. He was a great help for me when I arrived at the club. Before that he was at Carlton for a pretty long time, so with his experience he was good for me. I’m sure the club will miss having him, he’s a great man to have.”
Waratahs head coach Michael Chieka provides Folau with another source of information on the Irish team this weekend, but Folau is simply focusing on getting his own job right. Joe Schmidt’s side will have some task on their hands stopping him.
“It’s going to be a great atmosphere on Saturday and I’m sure the boys are looking forward to it. We’re obviously going out there to get the result that we want.”
Additional reporting by Sean Farrell.
