Israel Folau's new role in revamped Waratahs backline for 2014 revealed

ISRAEL Folau in a new role, Kurtley Beale at fullback, Nick Phipps and Bernard Foley in the halves - it's the 2014 Waratahs backline.

Israel Folau

ISRAEL Folau at outside centre, Kurtley Beale at fullback, the halves pairing of Nick Phipps and Bernard Foley, and a mad South African in the second row.

This is the starting side NSW coach Michael Cheika believes can win the Waratahs their first ever Super Rugby premiership in 2014.

With the signing of Beale and Phipps from Melbourne, and the retention of a host of superstars, it has been a mystery as to who will play where in next year's competition. Until now.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal this is the starting team Cheika is preparing to use for next year's campaign as he attempts to orchestrate NSW's first title win in 19 years of Super Rugby.

Key people within the Waratahs organisation have already been advised of Cheika's preferred starting side.

While Folau was a sensation at fullback in his first season of rugby, and now occupies that position for the Wallabies, the Waratahs will gamble on switching him to the toughest defensive position on a rugby field.

Incumbent Wallabies No.13 Adam Ashley-Cooper will move in one spot to inside centre, a position he has played intermittently for Australia and New South Wales.

Folau will receive expert guidance from knowledgeable NSW assistant coach Daryl Gibson, who spent time in the outside centre position during his 19-Test career with the All Blacks and for the Crusaders.

Abrasive import Jacques Potgieter will add starch to a pack missing lock Sitaleki Timani.

Beale will assume the No.15 jersey and act as the team's secondary playmaker, with Foley to steer the side from five-eighth after an outstanding season as No.10 this year.

And with Wallaby-capped halfback Phipps arriving, it is little surprise that he is seen as the first-choice No.9 given that his combination with Foley stretches back to their teenage years in Colts.

The Phipps-Foley partnership was deadly for Sydney University in the Shute Shield finals series, with the pair orchestrating an attacking master-class in their side's 51-6 grand final victory over Eastwood last Saturday.

After that match, Foley and Phipps - who are best friends and will live together next year - spoke of the comfort they've developed with each other's game.

"I really enjoy playing with Nick, I've known him for a long time, he's one of those blokes that goes out there and puts his body on the line every time," Foley said.

"We've pushed each other from the start to be better footballers, to try harder at training and in games.

"I'm looking forward to playing a couple of games with him next year.

"I really enjoyed playing with Brendan (McKibbin) this year, I think he's a great player too, but Nick, it's well documented I've played a lot of years with him, in XVs and in Sevens.

"I really enjoy the way he plays the game and dedicates himself to the cause, it's a credit to him the success he's had in the past, and hopefully there is a lot more to come."

Phipps, a key recruit from the Melbourne Rebels, said: "Bernie was a big part of the reason I came back, we've played together at Colts, Sevens, and grade before I left for Melbourne.

"I love playing with Bernie, we work really well together, and we're best mates off the field.

"He is just so exciting to play with, and he even puts me over the line for a few."

But while this is Cheika's preferred starting side, he showed in his first season in charge that he cares nought for reputation and won't hesitate to make adjustments if any of the 15 players get lazy in pre-season training.

Meanwhile, both Foley and Phipps remain hopeful of a call-up into the Wallabies side over the next fortnight.
Foley has been training regularly with the squad - flying to Perth and back before lining for Uni in the grand final last week - but remains behind Quade Cooper and Matt Toomua in the pecking order for now.

"I don't want to see the Wallabies not performing, I want to be part of a winning culture and with them," Foley said.

"Being a part of that would be special, and getting an opportunity would be something I'd cherish, hopefully it's not too far away and I can take it with both hands."

Phipps, who faces a tough challenge dethroning Nic White and Will Genia, added: "It's a tough job for the coaches at the moment, I've really enjoyed my footy here at Uni.

"If my performances warrant another chance for the Wallabies I will take it with both hands, but I just really wanted that Shute Shield premiership."

Waratahs' preferred 2014 starting team
15. Kurtley Beale
14. Peter Betham
13. Israel Folau
12. Adam Ashley-Cooper
11. Cam Crawford
10. Bernard Foley
9. Nick Phipps
8. Wycliff Palu
7. Michael Hooper
6. Dave Dennis
5. Jacques Potgieter
4. Kane Douglas
3. Sekope Kepu
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau
1. Benn Robinson