THERE IS MORE to Australia than the danger men in their back-line but Quade Cooper, Will Genia and Israel Folau are genuine stars of world rugby.
We spoke to the Wallabies head coach Ewen McKenzie to get his views on each of the players, with all three likely to start against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.
Quade Cooper
Age: 25 Position: Out-half Australia caps: 47 Club: Queensland Reds
The out-half is a truly divisive figure in Australia. Some see him as a gifted attacking genius, while many others view him as a train wreck waiting to happen, as well as a negative influence on the team environment.
Cooper’s passing game is quite possibly the best in the world, and he has been in good form for the Wallabies in recent times. There is a new element of solidity and composure to his game, but critics will say he is always close to collapse.
What McKenzie says: “I’ve known him for a long time so he doesn’t surprise me, I know what he’s capable of. I think he’s in a good space. There was a big debate there for some time whether he could even play at Test level. It wasn’t a debate in my mind.
“He’s come back to this level and he’s proving his worth, proving that he can play week in, week out. He created three of the seven tries directly on the weekend [against Italy]. He’s a bit of an enigma, he plays the game differently to other people. Some people don’t like that, but I quite like that.
“I think it suits the Australian culture. I want people to go to the games and be excited, not just go there and know what they’ll see. We want to make sure that’s part of what we’re about.”
Will Genia
There have been some form issues for Genia recently. ©INPHO/Billy Stickland.
Age: 25 Position: Scrum-half Australia caps: 52 Club: Queensland Reds
The 25-year-old was Australia’s best player against the Lions during the summer. His pace, decision-making, running threat, passing ability and organizational skills were all on display as he led the Wallabies’ challenge. At his best, Genia has every right to call himself the best scrum-half in the world.
However, the Reds playmaker’s most recent form has not been at that level. He has looked hesitant, lacking in confidence and fatigued over the last month or so. A good showing against Italy on Saturday will have provided a much-needed boost but Ireland will feel they can shut him down.
What McKenzie says: “There hasn’t been a game I’ve been involved in for the last four years, where everyone’s standard comment wasn’t, ‘We’ve got to shut down Genia and Cooper.’ That’s the standard game plan for our opponents, so you’ve got to expect that there’ll be pressure.
“Will knows that, you’ve got to be able to play through that. The scrum-half touches the ball more than anyone else on the field, so there’s more of an opportunity to put pressure on him. So the challenge for him is you’ve got to hold your form.
“There’s no player in history who’s been good every single game, there’s ups and downs. I don’t worry about that. We’re obviously trying to get the best out of him, but it’s about what’s happening around him as well. It’s life and sport.”
Israel Folau
Folau is one of the most lethal attacking players in the world. ©INPHO/Billy Stickland.
Age: 24 Position: Fullback Australia caps: 12 Club: NSW Waratahs
If you’re lucky enough to have a ticket for Saturday’s game, Folau is one of the players you should be most excited to see in the flesh. A supreme physical specimen, the 24-year-old was a sensation in rugby league before a brief spell in the AFL playing Aussie Rules.
It looks like Folau’s legend will be made in union though, as he has already scored eight tries in just 12 caps for the Wallabies. Beyond the scores, his footwork, strength and aerial ability make him Australia’s most dangerous attacking weapon.
What McKenzie says: “He’s still learning the game. He’s still picking up on the subtleties and whatever, but he’s a very effective player. We’ve got to figure out ways to use him, to get the best out of him.
“He’s very happy doing what he’s doing and I really enjoy the clash every week to see how teams close him down, to see if he can play through those situations. I’ve been pretty impressed with his ability to problem solve.
“As much as he gets attention from the opposition, he’s able to find a way to get involved in the game and find the try-line. His match-to-try ratio is pretty good at the moment, so as long as that continues he’ll go pretty well.”
Which of this trio of Australian talents are you most nervous about Ireland coming up against? What are your opinions on these three stars?
