A run of five games without a try wouldn’t usually be considered a drought but then again Israel Folau is no ordinary athlete.
The Wallabies superstar admits some may see him as having flown “under the radar” in recent games but the recently-crowned John Eales Medallist denies he’s lost his sparkle.
Code-hopper Folau heads into his 26th Test match, against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, on the back of his longest break without scoring since exploding onto the international rugby scene midway through last year.
Folau last scored a five-pointer in September’s win over South Africa in Perth and his absence from the scoresheet since has led some to suggest the 25-year-old may be a little off the high standard of form he’s set previously.
The NSW Waratahs star doesn’t agree, though, feeling his recent try-scoring record does not reflect the impact he’s having in games.
“I’m pretty happy with the way I’m playing at the moment,” said Folau, who has 15 tries in his 25 Tests and 20 from 28 matches in Super Rugby.
“I feel like I’m creating opportunities for myself and for the guys around and that’s all I need to do. That’s my role and crossing the line for tries is always a bonus.
“I think most people would probably say I’ve gone a bit under the radar because I’m not scoring some tries.
“But I think I’m doing a lot of my work off the ball and creating different opportunities for the guys around me.”
Folau also dismissed suggestions he could be feeling the pinch of an arduous season heading into the Wallabies tour of Europe, where they will also face France, Ireland and England.
The former NRL and AFL star went the distance with Super Rugby champions NSW and has not missed a minute for the Wallabies this year, even playing a full match in last week’s tour-opening 40-36 win over the Barbarians in London.
“I’ve tried to do the best I can to recover from week to week,” Folau said.
“(On Monday) I didn’t train so it was a good day for me to rest up.
“The way I see it, there’s four more games to go, so we’re just looking to finish off strong and put our best foot forward.”
Folau is embarking on his second tour of Europe and is eager for another crack against northern hemisphere opposition ahead of next year’s World Cup.
He scored in successive matches against Scotland and Wales last year as Australia finished the tour with a wet sail.
“Second time around now, I know a little bit better the way they (northern hemisphere sides) play rugby,” Folau said.
“It’s always a good chance for me so I’m looking forward to that.”
ISRAEL FOLAU’S FREAKISH TRY-SCORING RECORD
Tests: 25
Tries: 15
Average per Test: 1.66
Most tries in a Test match: 3 v Argentina in Rosario, Oct 2013
Longest run without a try: 5 games (present)
Previous longest run without a try: 3 games (June-August 2013)
Try-scoring record in Super Rugby with NSW: 20 from 28 games
