Wallabies playmaker Bernard Foley sees the coming month as a key World Cup audition in his bid to keep the Australian No.10 jersey from returning star Quade Cooper.
Foley, 25, has started at five-eighth in all but two of the Wallabies’ Tests this year and retains his spot for the first Test of the Michael Cheika era, against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.
Having helped the NSW Waratahs to a Super Rugby title under Cheika, Foley is clearly in pole position in the race to become Australia’s next long-term No.10.
But having never started a Test in the northern hemisphere, Foley feels he’s still got plenty to prove in matches against Wales, France, Ireland and England ahead of the World Cup held in the UK next year.
“These next four games are a bit of an acid test, definitely, as an application to put your hand up and really cement yourself in the side looking forward,” Foley said.
“I don’t think you’re ever comfortable at this level. For me, this is my first start in Europe and I feel like there’s a lot of new things to learn.”
Queensland Reds star Cooper returned from long-term injury in Australia’s win over the Barbarians at Twickenham, but the 50-cap veteran will need to impress from the bench to win back his spot.
Foley admits to feeling the selection pressure but welcomes it.
“Quade’s had a lot of experience in that Test jersey. He’s been around for along time and played in those big games,” Foley said.
“You’re never too comfortable or think you’ve got a hold on the jersey so you’re always sort of competing and I think that’s a good thing.”
With Nick Phipps also keeping a fit-again Will Genia out of the starting side, Cheika has the luxury of calling upon the experience of Genia and Cooper and replacement options.
With recent encounters between the Wallabies and Wales coming down to the wire, it could provide a game-breaking option for the coach, though Foley also proved himself as an ice man by slotting a 45-metre penalty to hand NSW victory in the Super final.
“I think it’s part and parcel of being the No.10 or the kicker. You step up in those moments when the team’s depending on you,” Foley said.
