British and Irish Lions: James Horwill on how the Wallabies can beat tourists

The last time the Lions toured Australia, Israel Folau, playing his first game of international rugby, scored two tries in Australia’s narrow first-Test defeat.

“Izzy was the most naturally freaky sort of athlete that I’ve ever played with,” says Horwill.

“Wherever we put him around the field, someone would have to mark his aerial threat – sometimes double mark him – and that would then create opportunities for others.

“Izzy just made everything look so easy, he moved and jumped so effortlessly for a big guy and Joseph’s got a lot of that about him.”

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii – Australia’s 6ft 5in big-money import from rugby league – was inspired by Folau as a boy, and the 21-year-old has shown similar aerial ability.

With the Lions looking unconvincing in the battle for the skies against Argentina and struggling to regain kick-offs against Western Force, he will be chasing and leaping hard.

“Wherever Joseph is you are going to see defenders bunching around that area – maybe there’s an opportunity to kick elsewhere and get a bit of ascendancy,” says Horwill.

For all the interest in England flanker Henry Pollock’s supersonic ascent to the upper reaches, Australia have their own bolters.

Corey Toole was part of the Australian sevens team that finished fourth in the Olympics in Paris a year ago, but 11 tries in the Brumbies’ 16-game run to the Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals have given him a shot of stepping on to the biggest stage in the XV-man game.

And Max Jorgensen, the 20-year-old son of former Wallaby Peter Jorgensen, is back from an ankle injury in time to contend on the wing as well.

“The one thing you have got in Australia’s back three is genuine pace,” says Horwill.

“Corey Toole has got real gas and he has certainly bulked up a lot over the past year. He barged over Damian McKenzie to score against the Chiefs in that Super Rugby semi-final – if he does get an opportunity he is really exciting.

“Jorgensen is the sort of prodigious talent we’ve been building around.

“He has been a little bit unlucky with injuries, and just needs to get some some time in the saddle playing a bit of rugby.”