Rugby World Cup 2015: Bernard Foley's 'dream come true' in engineering England defeat

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This was published 8 years ago

Rugby World Cup 2015: Bernard Foley's 'dream come true' in engineering England defeat

By Chris Dutton
Updated

London: Wallabies star Bernard Foley wants to model his game on World Cup winner Stephen Larkham to add a new dimension to his attack as he ramps up the team's pursuit of international glory.

Foley was hailed as "unreal" and "outstanding" by teammates and described his 28-point haul against England as a "dream come true" as he guided the Wallabies to a 33-13 triumph at Twickenham on Saturday night (Sunday morning AEDT).

But far from satisfied, Foley wants to keep working with Wallabies attack coach Larkham, Australia's 1999 drop-goal hero, to ensure he becomes a running threat in the remainder of the tournament.

The Wallabies will play Wales on the weekend with the winner to secure top spot in the pool of death and set up a quarter-final clash with either Scotland or Japan.

Striking a blow: Bernard Foley goes over to score Australia's second try.

Striking a blow: Bernard Foley goes over to score Australia's second try.Credit: Getty Images

Foley has grown in confidence in his 23 Tests and wants to have a dangerous running game to open up options in the Wallabies' back line.

"It's a different game at Test level, you have to seize the opportunity," Foley said.

"[Running] is definitely always on my mind and the more I can take on the line and be more damaging, hopefully it opens up for guys outside [me].

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"You learn from 'Bernie' Larkham, he was always so good at his running game and used to slice up defences.

"It is a holistic approach to creating space for us to run ... [Larkham] was so well balanced at flyhalf, being able to see the space and exploit it with a passing game or a run or a kick. It's been great to have him in camp and be able to be guided by him."

Foley certainly evoked memories of Larkham's Test career with some slicing runs in the first half.

He opened up the England defence when he took on the line to score the opener and then worked with Kurtley Beale on a superbly executed set play to score his second.

Foley finished with 28 points – two tries, four penalties and three conversions – in a near-perfect performance that has cemented his place as Australia's first-choice No.10.

It was the best game of his Test career and he passed Matthew Burke's individual point-scoring record in a single game against England.

​"It is a bit of a dream come true," an elated Foley said.

"We designed a few set moves around the [No.10] and that paid off ... It probably hasn't sunk in at all but it is just so satisfying.

"There was so much anticipation and the guys have put so much work in. To come out and show it on such a big stage and big occasion was very pleasing."

​His kicking record was unblemished and he showed poise under pressure to lead the Wallabies in knocking England out of their home tournament.

It was the sort of performance Australia had been craving from a chief playmaker and Foley has shown he can handle the big moments in the big games.

"He was unreal, he's going to get a lot of raps for that game and so he should," Wallabies inside centre Matt Giteau said.

"He had a brilliant game, led the team really well and it's really nice to play with someone like that. He shows control for a young fella and the confidence in the game plan."

Vice captain Michael Hooper added: "[He was] outstanding. He led us round the park well, was dangerous with the ball in hand and over here the kicking is going to be so crucial and he didn't miss a beat."

For Foley's second try, halfback Will Genia darted to the left from a base of a ruck before Foley came flying back towards the right with Beale attached to his hip.

Foley threw a well-timed inside ball to Beale when the gap appeared and then backed up to collect a pass from Beale and leave England's defence bamboozled.

There had been calls for enigmatic Quade Cooper to be brought into the starting team because of his attacking brilliance.

But Foley silenced any doubters by showing he's got the goods to spearhead the Wallabies hopes of making a charge for the title.

"We have always had the belief that we have got the game and I suppose tonight we unlocked a bit of that. A big part of our identity is to come out and perform well every time we play, not just here and there," he said.

"We aim to always put out a performance we can be proud of. Next week we will get another chance."

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