Folau aims for new Wallaby heights in 2014

If it isn’t already scary how good Israel Folau is after 10 months playing rugby union… just wait until next year.

The code-hopping superstar isn’t satisfied and has vowed to take his game to another level in 2014 as he shuns any thought of second-year syndrome.

Folau ended his superb debut season in union with a flourish at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium on Saturday night as he scored one try and set up another in the Wallabies’ 30-26 win over Wales.

The big and freakishly talented fullback equalled fellow league convert Lote Tuqiri’s record mark of 10 Test tries in a calendar year, set in 2004, when he bashed past Mike Phillips and went over in the tackle of two other defenders from a Will Genia cut-out pass in the 36th minute.

“It’s definitely something that I didn’t think would happen in my first year and to get 10 tries this year is exceptional,” he said.

“It’s been a team effort with the guys around me and it’s been a joy to play with the guys.”

In a dynamic, highly-skilled backline, Folau has also been setting up more tries as well as scoring on the end-of-season tour, adding another by helping put former schoolmate Joe Tomane over early in the second half.

The 24-year-old, already one of the most potent players in the 15-man code, said his biggest challenge now was to perform consistently, keep developing and not stagnate as he felt he did after a boom NRL start as a 17-year-old in 2007.

“I think it’s very important,” Folau said.

“I’ve been in a similar situation like this playing rugby league after my first couple of years.

“I’m happy with my performances this year but nothing that is really satisfying. I want to take my game (to the next level) and I always want to improve.

“There’s a lot of room for improvement which is a real key thing for next year.”

Nominated for the IRB’s rookie of the year award, Folau rated his Test debut against the British and Irish Lions – scoring two tries in the 23-21 loss in Brisbane – as his favourite moment of the year.

“Every game I’ve played this year has been tough but that one was a special one for me. It was my first game for the Wallabies and I was really happy with my performance as well,” the NSW Waratahs fullback said.

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