Red-hot Folau back to best with Wallabies

Jun 25, 2017 - 5:00 AM Israel Folau believes he's rediscovered his mojo after a record-breaking June with the Wallabies.

Returning to top form after a difficult run at Test level, Folau became the first Australian player to score two tries in three consecutive games with his doubles against Fiji, Scotland and Italy.

He scored the same amount of tries in his previous 32 internationals, ensuring that at least the Wallabies have their strike weapon at his best ahead of their daunting Bledisloe Cup opener against the All Blacks.

"It was quite challenging throughout the year but without those obstacles or challenges you can't really grow as a person and move forward," Folau said.

"I feel like I'm really enjoying my footy and it's a simple thing for me.

"If I'm smiling and being happy off the field, it really transfers for me onto the field.

"It's all about staying in the moment and enjoying this."

The 28-year-old said he felt the Australian backline was starting to gel, although it looks as though there would be at least a few changes from the side that faced Italy for the clash against New Zealand in Sydney on August 19.

Winger Sefa Naivalu will miss the next seven weeks with an ankle injury while Rob Horne is expected to drop out for usual outside centre Samu Kerevi, and Karmichael Hunt's position at No.12 could be challenged by the returning Kurtley Beale.

Folau said he was enjoying playing alongside Hunt, an opportunity he thought would never come again after the State of Origin teammates both quit the NRL to try their luck in the AFL, before eventually moving to rugby union.

"It's funny how things come together," he said.

"I'm really enjoying playing with K, he's a senior player within the team.

"With only three Tests to his name he's leading well and pretty vocal out there on the field. He's playing some good rugby at the moment and it's good to see."

Source: AAP