Dublin: Wallabies playmaker Bernard Foley has been around long enough now to know the most important game of your life is the next one.
But despite Foley trotting out the “one game at a time” cliche on multiple occasions this spring tour, even he acknowledges his battle with Ireland No.10 Johnny Sexton in Dublin will be “special” and important in the context of Australia’s World Cup plans next year.
“This one is a special one testing yourself against the best in the world,” Foley said. “It’s really trying to make the most of it because you don’t know what’s going to happen next.”
The upcoming fixture against Ireland will be Foley’s last in a gold jersey this year, given the Wales match falls outside the international window.
Foley will fly back to Japan on Sunday, where he will remain until mid-next year — out of sight, but certainly not out of mind when it comes to Wallabies selectors.
This time last year, Foley had conceded he would never play for the Wallabies again. Injuries to others and a bit of right place, right time stuff sees him in pole position to be Australia’s five-eighth at the 2023 World Cup in France.
Bernard Foley will return at No.10 for the Wallabies this week against Ireland. Credit:Getty
He is the first to admit his performances across four Tests — two against New Zealand, plus matches against Scotland and France — certainly haven’t solidified his World Cup spot.
But with the Wallabies desperate for a win, if Foley could orchestrate a win against the world’s best team it would go a long way to boosting his World Cup credentials.
Standing in Australia’s way is Sexton, the 37-year-old No.10 whose performances in a series win against the All Blacks in New Zealand this year only enhanced his legacy in Ireland.
There is some doubt over whether Sexton will be fit to play Australia. The Wallabies, who last played in Dublin six years ago in a 27-24 loss, believe the British and Irish Lions No.10 will be there.
Ireland’s Johnny Sexton lines up a kick against New Zealand.Credit:Getty
“What a great challenge. It’s something I’m really embracing,” Foley said.
“It shows age is just a number. The thing about Johnny is he’s ultra-competitive and he must be doing everything right to keep himself on the top of the game. He’s looking after his body and he’s got world-class game management and skills.
“We don’t know what players are going to be in the mix [for the World Cup next year]. I’ve got to try and make the most of every game.”
It’s been a strange week in Wallabies camp. The group is certainly wounded from a humiliating defeat to Italy but Foley and halfback Nic White, both put up for media duties and set to partner up again in the halves like they did against France, can shoulder no blame for the defeat that has heaped more pressure on coach Dave Rennie.
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie lays down the law at training.Credit:Andrew Phan/Wallabies Media
Ultimately, the buck stops with Rennie, given the Wallabies are two losses away from their worst calendar year on record since 1958.
But White is firm in his view that players simply aren’t holding up their end of the bargain. That the playing group have actively spoken about playing for Rennie is an insight into the perceived disparity between expectation and execution.
“We don’t have our heads buried in the sands … we understand the pressure that’s come on,” White said. “It’s disappointing as a playing group letting him down and that he’s got this pressure. We do absolutely love being coached by Dave. He’s a phenomenal coach. I’ve said it a number of times now.
“The coaching staff is world-class and we as a playing group aren’t there. A lot of the pressure that is coming on him and the coaching staff is a whole lot to do with what we’ve put out on the field.
“It’s a chance for us to show how much we care for Dave and the coaching staff. We’re speaking about putting out a performance for him and the staff.”
Watch all the action from the Wallabies Spring Tour with every match streaming ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport.
