ISRAEL Folau’s injury enforced absence for the second Bledisloe Cup Test at Eden Park is Michael Cheika’s worst nightmare.

And Cheika’s choice as Folau’s fullback replacement will reveal a lot about the mental state of the under siege Wallabies coach ahead of a do or die rematch against the All Blacks in Auckland on Saturday.

Folau in the gold No 15 jersey has been synonymous with Cheika’s coaching reign and the 29-year-old’s supreme aerial ability gives Australia a real trump card.

But he is now in need of a plan B after Folau suffered an ankle injury in the crushing 38-13 loss to New Zealand in Sydney.

The decision should be easy enough — shift Dane Haylett-Petty from the right wing.
But, then again, selection hasn’t always been Cheika’s strong suit.

The Wallabies, remember, were 80 minutes away from winning back the Bledisloe in 2015 before he prioritised Rugby World Cup preparations and dropped Bernard Foley, Matt Giteau and David Pocock from his starting XV.

While of course the World Cup is a prized possession, Will Genia gave a reminder of the Bledisloe’s importance when the halfback described it as his No 1 career target.

There are four candidates to play fullback in Auckland.

Haylett-Petty, last week’s tryscoring debutant Jack Maddocks, the uncapped Tom Banks and incumbent inside centre Kurtley Beale — who has played 31 Tests in the No 15.

But while that experience might be tempting to Cheika, a reshuffling with Beale at the back and Matt Toomua at inside centre would be fraught with danger.

Indeed, it would be a sign of panic.

Since returning from a stint in England, Beale has provided new found composure and acted as the perfect foil for Foley.

His playmaking voice is significant for the Wallabies.

Playing him at fullback would provide counterattacking ability and a kicking game but his high ball catching has always been a lottery.

And Toomua, remember, has not played a game for three months, outside of the Wallabies trial match at Leichhardt Oval.

Although there were a number of promising touches in that hitout, there were also signs of rust and he needs time to re-establish combinations with his teammates.

Haylett-Petty has already put his hand up for the job and fullback remains his preferred position.

He would provide Cheika with high ball security, a strong kicking game and some pace too.

Maddocks could replace him on the wing and form an all-Rebels back three with Marika Koroibete that would also benefit from the presence of Melbourne man Reece Hodge at outside centre.

Eden Park is no place to experiment.

Brumbies fullback Banks is an exciting young prospect with pace to burn and a decent boot.

His effort chasing down Moses Sorovi and Richard Hardwick in the trial was eyecatching.

But he was also exposed at the back with his suspect decision making and positional awareness and the All Blacks would be aware of that.

The Wallabies must start winning and that starts with consistency of selection.

Haylett-Petty knows the Wallabies system.

As does Maddocks, after being taken on last year’s Spring Tour as a development player.

Folau’s injury has given Cheika an opportunity to find his No 2 fullback.

It would be tempting to blood Banks.

But now is not the time to give into temptation.

It’s time for reason.

Australian rugby needs a ‘W’ and that starts with smart, calculated selection.