Israel Folau drew level with Doug Howlett for the all-time try scoring record, and has done so with eight fewer games played.
Folau scored his 59th five-pointer.
More importantly, to Folau, the Waratahs and their fans and those who maintain a vigilance when it comes to Super Rugby, the accomplishment came in a 20 – 12 win over the Crusaders, the reigning champions and winners of 19 consecutive.
The Waratahs and the Wallabies are looking at another four years of Folau in the fold and it would not be inconceivable to see Folau raise the try bar to a 100 or higher.
There seems to be nothing Folau cannot do. He played 91 games in the NRL from 2007 – 2010, 52 for Melbourne and 39 for Brisbane, where he ran up 302 points. He has made 92 appearances for the Waratahs and is one try away from making it an even 300 points for his current club.
Folau will soon turn 30 and is one of the reasons for the Wallabies to have hopes of dethroning New Zealand in the World Cup later this year.
Speaking with reporters following the upset win over the Crusaders at SCG, Folau said, “I think out of the 59 tries, I’m probably lucky if maybe 10 are from kicks.”
The record tying tie came when Folau forced a loose ball in-goal six minutes from fulltime.
Try number 60 for Folau might have to wait, as he may be spelled for the next game, a home affair with Newcastle, but he is a key piece in the puzzle of the Waratahs as they attempt to make it further than their semifinal exit last year.
The Wallabies selection panel has no decision regarding Folau, unless he is injured and unable to perform and the form Folau is currently exhibiting will definitely command some attention from the selectors of other international squads, all of which will be searching for a way to ground flying Folau.
