Hunt stars at centre as code-hoppers reunite
Lions have their tails up on tour
EIGHT years after dominating rugby league together with Brisbane, Queensland and Australia, Karmichael Hunt plans to do the same for the Wallabies alongside Israel Folau.
The former league teammates were standouts for Australia in their 37-14 win over Fiji last Saturday and should get another chance to start together against Scotland this weekend at Allianz Stadium.
After arriving in Sydney last night, Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said he’d likely make changes to the team to play the Scots but not “wholesale” ones, and he indicated Hunt could expect more action at No.12.
“I thought he was pretty good first game. He did his job very well,” Cheika said.
Unsurprisingly for a man who has played three codes at the highest level, Hunt on debut looked as assured as a 20-cap regular.
The other triple-coder in gold, Folau, had a stellar afternoon and although the duo didn’t link up often, they hope to do a lot more together.
“Our history is pretty well documented together, some of the best times we’ve had together has been playing together,” Hunt said.
“That was at the Broncos, and since then we’ve played opposite each other. But to be on the same field was fantastic, and to see him perform the way he did, I couldn’t be happier.
“It is funny how life works out.
“Geez, so much has happened since ’09, so to be here making my debut as a 30-yearold – mind you, I didn’t think that was going to happen – I’m just really enjoying it, especially for my family.
“We played a few Kangaroos Tests together, we’ve played in a few different arenas together.
“It’s a unique tandem in terms of sporting history. Hopefully, many more wins in the gold jersey, that’s what we’re after.”
Hunt was measured in attack on debut while getting through a significant defensive test against a big Fijian side that sent plenty of traffic his way.
He brought a calm look to the backline and was often found at first receiver to give five-eighth Bernard Foley more space on the outside.
“Bernie wants to secondball play, obviously it’s a bit different to what I’m playing at the Queensland so I just had to … step up there and be a playmaker so to speak,” Hunt said.
Cheika was impressed with Hunt’s physicality in defence, and distribution. He said the Reds fullback was now a definite No.12 option. WARREN Gatland believes his British and Irish Lions’ 12-3 victory over the Canterbury Crusaders has struck a blow against critics who wrote off their tour of New Zealand.
The Lions’ surprise defeat to Auckland Blues saw many doubt their chances of victory in their three-Test series with the All Blacks.
But after downing the previously unbeaten Crusaders at AMI Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday night thanks to four Owen Farrell penalties, Gatland says his team are back with a bang.
“It has been a really tough week and there has been a lot of criticism,” the Lions head coach said.
“People had written the tour off after two games. That has been challenging for us all. We have had to stay strong within the group.
“The goal was the Test matches and to keep improving towards that,” he added before poking fun at his critics: “I hope we didn’t disappoint too many people with this result.”
Gatland’s men produced an impressive display against the previously unbeaten Super Rugby leaders.
Their attacking game still needs work – they threw away more try-scoring opportunities – but their lineout worked well and their line speed in defence stood out.
In halves Farrell and Conor Murray, Gatland had standout performers at the top of their game.
“We know the quality of players we have. I keep repeating myself, but the more time we have together, the better we will get,” Gatland said.