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Israel Folau playing at centre for Australia would be a risk, says Jonathan Joseph

By Reuters

Wednesday 8 June 2016 12:39, UK

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 02: Israel Folau of Australia looks to offload as he is tackled by Joel Tomkins (C) and Billy Twelvetrees (L) of England during
Image: Jonathan Joseph believes Israel Folau (R) should be played in his traditional full-back position

England's Jonathan Joseph believes Australia would be taking too big a risk if they opt to play Israel Folau at centre, instead of full-back, in the first Test on Saturday.

Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson has moved Folau into the midfield in Super Rugby this year, despite the 27-year-old former rugby league and Australian rules player spending the majority of his union career at full-back.

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However, Bath centre Joseph expects Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika to retain Folau at full-back in Brisbane, where he poses a greater threat on the counter-attack.

"Israel's a great player, obviously played the majority of his career at full-back but I've seen he's played a lot of 13 this season," said Joseph.

"Personally I think he'll play full-back but [he's a] great player, great feet, hard to defend against, but also there could be opportunities there as well."

England's Jonathan Joseph scores his sides second try during the 2016 RBS Six Nations match at the Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy.
Image: Joseph expects Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika to retain Folau at full-back

Joseph also said he was excited by the prospect of lining up alongside Ben Te'o in midfield, with the Worcester Warriors-bound player poised to make his England debut at inside centre.

"His offloading game's very good and defensively he's very tough," Joseph said of New Zealand-born Te'o.

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"He's a great player. Great to have in the squad and [I'd] love to see what he can offer on the international stage."

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England's rugby union squad have an unusual selection dilemma for the first Test against Australia in Brisbane.

Flanker James Haskell echoed Joseph's thoughts, saying Te'o had settled well in the squad.

"The guys have embraced him. From everything I've seen of him, he is 100 per cent committed," Haskell said.

Ben Te'o has all the attributes to succeed at Test level, according to Eddie Jones
Image: James Haskell and Joseph both feel Ben Te'o could have a strong impact for England

England head coach Eddie Jones, who will announce his squad for Brisbane on Thursday, may opt to move Maro Itoje from lock to blindside flanker, putting former captain Chris Robshaw's place in doubt.

And Haskell backed youngster Itoje to be a success in the back row.

"Obviously he has played all sorts of positions with Saracens and at the end of the day, it is about balance of a back row. So if that was an option then I am sure he would do outstandingly well there," he said.

The second Test is in Melbourne on June 18 with the final match in Sydney on June 25.  

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