Get Newsletter

Folau pulls world record closer

Folau pulls world record closerFolau heads into Sunday's Rugby Championship dead rubber with Argentina having eclipsed Lote Tuqiri's Australian record set 13 years ago.

ADVERTISEMENT

With a strike rate of more than a try a Test already this season, the code-hopper needs six five-pointers in Australia's last six internationals of the year to equal the tallies of Japanese flyer Daisuke Ohata (2002) and legendary All Blacks wing Joe Rokocoko (2003).

However, the fullback's presence at the Mandoza test does come under scrutiny after he tackled South Africa wing Dillyn Leyds by the hair.

Under ordinary circumstances Folau would have received a yellow card but the referee opted not to sent him to sin-bin, giving the Wallabies' talisman an opportunity to achieve the incredible milestone.  

With doubles against Fiji, Scotland and Italy in 2017, Folau is also the first Australian to cross twice in three successive Tests.

With the Wallabies amassing 25 tries in their past five outings against the Pumas – including two for Folau last month in Canberra – fans can expect another free-flowing and high-scoring affair in Mendoza.

Especially with Wallabies being out of the title running after two frustrating draws with the Springboks and a last-minute loss to the All Blacks in Dunedin. The New Zealand defeat also cruelled Australia's chance of winning back the Bledisloe Cup for the first time in 15 years.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Pumas also have nothing to lose as they chase their first points of the competition after five successive heavy defeats.

"Both teams have been unlucky," said Wallabies coach Stephen Larkham.

"But both teams have been trying to play with a lot of flair and (to) keep the ball in hand as much as possible and it's going to amount to a very exciting game to watch,"

Wallabies centre Samu Kerevi was also complimentary of an Argentinian attack that grows in stature with every start.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Their backline can spark up from anywhere, they’ve got a great attitude and a great skill set so we have to be aware of that," he said.

"They’ve also got a great playmaker that can create space in Sanchez so we have to be able to front up in that aspect, especially in defence,"

Source: @rugbycomau

Join free

Chasing The Sun | Series 1 Episode 1

Fresh Starts | Episode 1 | Will Skelton

ABBIE WARD: A BUMP IN THE ROAD

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 9

James Cook | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

New Zealand victorious in TENSE final | Cathay/HSBC Sevens Day Three Men's Highlights

New Zealand crowned BACK-TO-BACK champions | Cathay/HSBC Sevens Day Three Women's Highlights

Japan Rugby League One | Bravelupus v Steelers | Full Match Replay

Write A Comment