21 Aug 2018

Dane Haylett-Petty offers to play fullback against the All Blacks

10:43 am on 21 August 2018

Dane Haylett-Petty has raised his hand to play fullback for the Wallabies but isn't sure where he stands in a sizeable queue.

Dane Haylett-Petty

Dane Haylett-Petty Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Having made all 22 of his Test appearances on the wing, Haylett-Petty issued a reminder to journalists he's a long-time fullback who made his name as a counter-attacking No.15 with a booming boot at the Western Force.

The 29-year-old is adamant he could switch seamlessly to replace the injured Israel Folau when Australia seek redemption against the All Blacks at Eden Park on Saturday.

"I'd love that opportunity but we'll have to wait and see," Haylett-Petty said.

"One thing we do have is probably more fullbacks than wingers.

"I feel comfortable at both now. Early on, when I had to make the switch to wing, it was a bit of a change-up but I enjoy both positions probably."

Coach Michael Cheika is giving little away about his preference at the back

Another Melbourne Rebels outside back, Jack Maddocks, made a solid debut off the bench in the final quarter of the 38-13 Bledisloe Cup opening loss in Sydney on Saturday.

Uncapped Brumbies flyer Tom Banks is also in the picture while both members of last week's starting midfield - Reece Hodge and Kurtley Beale - have proven ability at fullback.

Cheika may be reluctant to shift Haylett-Petty from the right wing, where he defended strongly enough to keep the deadly Rieko Ioane quiet.

On the left, Marike Koroibete endured a defensive night to forget against powerhouse Waisake Naholo, who was an irresistible force.

Haylett-Petty said it will take more than personnel switches to reverse the result.

He said the Wallabies were "killed" by turnovers against an All Blacks side who thrive on them.

"It was the main area of the game where we let ourselves down," he said.

"Against other teams they're probably not going to capitalise on all those opportunities, but the All Blacks definitely do."

-AAP