The former Parramatta Eels winger, who only nailed 13 from his 27 attempts in the NRL, proved to be the difference on Saturday evening at Allianz Stadium, booting four penalties and a conversion to give the Waratahs a 19-13 win in their season opener against the Western Force.

Robinson is now Gibson's preferred kicker when Foley is not there, as evidenced when the coach overruled those on the field to make sure Robinson took a penalty in the second minute of play instead of fill-in five-eighth Bryce Hegarty.

He finished with five conversions from six attempts.

At training last year Robinson could be seen from time to time practising his kicking, but it is only this season that he has ramped up the repetitions which have clearly caught the eye of Gibson.

A minor groin injury prevented Foley from kicking for the sticks in the Waratahs trial match against the Highlanders, so Robinson happily obliged, booting seven from nine to raise a few eyebrows in the process.

"I'd done a bit of kicking before back in my league days, but I wasn't expecting it," Robinson said of his role on Saturday. "Happy with the way it's going, but missed the easiest one at the end.

"Since Bernard's injured, someone has to step up and 'Gibbo' just said I might as well have a crack."

Foley departed for Johannesburg with the Waratahs on Sunday, but no decision has been made regarding his availability for the Lions game.

Gibson is treating Foley's concussion seriously, so it is likely he will be monitored when the Waratahs land.

His potential absence presents Robinson with the opportunity to inject himself into the contest even more given the match will be played at altitude, meaning kicks will go ever further.

Last year the Wallabies sought to use the big boot of Reece Hodge on a regular basis in Pretoria. Even though Robinson may not possess a kick that long, the Waratahs are hoping his recent hot streak can continue on the Highveld.

"Reecey kicked very well," Gibson said. "He was calm, very composed, bangs it over. He certainly kept that pressure on the scoreboard early. He did very well."

The Waratahs kicked at just 71 per cent in last year's Super Rugby competition, however Foley had a conversion rate of 78 per cent - the best rate of 16 players who had at least 40 shots on goal.

Next up is a clash against the Lions, last year's finalists and a team who just got over the line against the Cheetahs 28-25 in their first match of the year.

Robinson said: "It's going to be a very tough game, but I think we've got a lot to work on. The boys played well, but there was a few errors to work on. I'm sure it's going to be nice and warm over there, so looking forward to play some footy."

Jed Holloway and Ned Hanigan did not travel with the team as they recover from injury while Cam Clark is in contention to make his Waratahs debut.