Folau to rise to the occasion
The Wallabies plan to get more of the ball to their strike weapon Israel Folau in a bid to defeat the All Blacks in this weekend's Test.
In Australia's first game under new coach Ewen McKenzie in Sydney on Saturday, captain James Horwill said it was imperative that dual international winger Folau got more involved after his impressive displays in the recent series against the British and Irish Lions.
Folau was devastating at times on the wing against the Lions, most notably in his sensational two-try Test debut in Brisbane, but the Wallabies admit they underutilised him in that series defeat.
"He's a guy you want to get the ball because he makes things happen," Horwill said. "He's got free rein to make sure he gets the ball as much as he wants.
"He understands that and he's a guy who makes defences worry."
Team vice-captain and scrumhalf Will Genia said that along with fullback Jesse Mogg and James O'Connor, now on the wing after playing at flyhalf against the Lions, the back three was one of Australia's greatest strengths.
"I think James' best position is definitely wing," Genia said. "There's definitely less pressure in that you don't have to worry about controlling and organising a team.
"It gives him a license to roam the field and slip in at first receiver and get a few touches there. But he's just got a great running game and obviously everybody has seen what Izzy can do."
Genia said Mogg was 'incredibly quick' and he will add to the Wallabies' counter-attacking capability.
"We didn't get to see much of his ability to run the ball and attack and to just see him in training he's incredibly quick," he said.
"He's got great pace and he just adds a different dimension to our attack, especially with a left boot as well.
"So if we can create space and momentum those guys can definitely find space and plenty of opportunities for the team."
World Cup champions New Zealand are defending the Bledisloe Cup they have held since 2003, and the Rugby Championship they won last year.
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