Folau eyes up Tuqiri's record

Australia back Israel Folau has targeted breaking Lote Tuqiri's record of scoring ten tries in a calendar year for the Wallabies.

Australia back Israel Folau has targeted breaking Lote Tuqiri's record of scoring ten tries in a calendar year for the Wallabies.

Tuqiri racked up ten tries in 12 Tests for Australia back in 2004, with Folau currently sitting on nine for the year before facing Wales this weekend.

With the possibility of both levelling and overtaking Tuqiri's landmark in reach, Folau has been cautious to downplay his first season in Rugby Union whilst backing the support of his team-mates for putting him in this position.

The full-back also admitted that he had not forgotten the lost series against the British and Irish Lions earlier this year, taking the pain from that defeat into Saturday's Test.

“It's definitely not easy,” said Folau.

“It's been a tough transition like I've said from the start. To get nine tries isn't what I was expecting in my first year but that doesn't come without … the players around you that help you get over the try line.

“I think there is still a bit of spice in it, especially this year with the Lions.

“As a Wallaby it still stands clear in our minds, and it's going to be a big contest this week.”

Wales winger Alex Cuthbert, who has recovered from injury in time for the final November Test, also underlined the threat posed by Folau in Cardiff this weekend.

“He's the danger man, the man in form and probably one of the best players in rugby at the moment,” said Cuthbert.

“He's improving every game. There's no end to his skills in the air, his footwork and putting people away.

“We have to mark him closely and keep him away from the ball. If it's in the air we have to get him off his game. He's been managing to get the ball in the air and putting Australia on the front foot.”