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ARU boss Bill Pulver is pottering with Israel Folau and if he’s not careful he’ll lose him.
Pulver has just today and tomorrow to lock Folau into a contract to take him through to the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
The edict – sign for two more years, or you won’t be in the 25-man Wallaby squad for the Lions series.
But Pulver has backed off.
“As far as we’re concerned we are eager to sign Israel Folau as soon as he is ready, it’s completely unrelated as to whether he achieves a Wallaby jersey or not”, was Pulver’s explanation.
As soon as he is ready?
Which begs the question, who is running rugby – Pulver, Folau, or his manager Isaac Moses?
In just 11 games of Super Rugby, Folau has stamped himself in the top six for Wallaby selection with Will Genia, George Smith, James Horwill, Adam Ashley-Cooper, and Digby Ioane.
Obviously Pulver doesn’t agree, and that might just answer the question why he’s not pressing Folau for his signature.
“Whether he gets selected or not for the British and Irish Lions series, there’s only one man who controls that, but even if he’s not in the squad there is still plenty of opportunity for him to be named in a squad going forward,” said Pulver.
Are we talking about the same bloke Israel Folau who keeps carving up opponents every week as though they weren’t there?
Even if he’s not in the squad?
That’s the second time in a week Folau has been mentioned as a casualty come Sunday along with Quade Cooper, and George Smith.
Not possible, or have the inmates taken over the asylum?
Usually in rugby where there’s smoke there’s fire. Pulver will regret not taking a tougher stand with Folau if he returns to rugby league next season.
And that would be a tragic waste of talent as the very best convert and a vital cog in the Wallaby machiney for three seasons.
With Ioane, Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell, Dan Palmer, and Sitaleki Timani all heading overseas next season, the Wallabies 2015 Rugby World Cup ranks are thinning rapidly.
But the potential loss of Folau would be the most devastating. He is a rare talent.
So just two days to go Bill Pulver, make them work.