Dangermen of the World Cup: Israel Folau

In capturing the Rugby Championship over this past weekend, Australia has fired out a warning shot to the rest of the pack. Their 27-19 win over New Zealand is proof that the Wallabies are real contenders for the crown, and with dangerman Israel Folau in their ranks, Australia is capable of playing running rugby with a superior edge.

Folau is 26 and in the prime of his career. Tall and strong, he is the embodiment of the modern backline player. He can take the ball into contact, but equally, he is capable of scything gaps through opposition defences. He is a player with natural ability too, adept on either wing or at full-back. Under the high ball, there are few equals, while he has an eye for a pass and a good boot as well. There is little Folau can’t do.

Players with his talent are rare, and Folau is a veritable jack of all trades, even forging a short but successful career in the AFL. But now, back in Rugby Union, Folau is set to take center stage on rugby’s biggest arena.

World Cups have historically been brought to life by stunning individual performances, and Israel Folau is one player capable of capturing the attention of the entire world.