The NSW Waratahs are banking on Israel Folau’s attacking verve to revive their flagging Super Rugby season in Saturday night’s crunch match against the Bulls.
After opening 2014 with stylish back-to-back bonus-point wins to lead the competition, the Waratahs have fallen in a big hole in Folau’s absence with a throat injury.
Folau bagged eight tries in four games, but the Tahs have managed to cross for only three in three matches without their dazzling Wallabies fullback.
The Australian Rugby Union controversially pulled Folau from last week’s clash with the Western Force after he’d been cleared to play by the Waratahs doctor, prompting an angry response from the dual international.
The Waratahs created countless tryscoring opportunities against the Force but sorely missed Folau’s finishing in a 28-16 defeat that leaves the pre-season title favourites clinging to their place in the top six.
“With Israel back in the line-up, you know if you give him five opportunities, he’ll finish two or three of those,” Waratahs attack coach Daryl Gibson said on Thursday.
Fellow backline star Adam Ashley-Cooper says there’s no hiding the fact the Waratahs are a for more formidable outfit with Folau on deck.
“So to have him back is a real bonus,” Ashley-Cooper said.
“He’s a pretty important player. He does score a lot of tries and create a lot of opportunities for the team.
“We’ve got to learn to play without Izzy but, luckily for us, we’ve got him this week and hopefully he makes a real difference”
Playing at home also makes a big difference, with the Waratahs unbeaten this campaign in Sydney.
After three straight games on the road, for two losses and one win, the Waratahs know the importance of transforming Allianz Stadium into a fortress in the run to the playoffs.
“The statistics show that you’ve got to win at home to make the finals,” Ashley-Cooper said.
“Off the back of a disappointing loss last week, this game is more important than ever.
“And obviously the next three weeks coming up, leading into our bye, is a really critical block in our season”
Folau’s return to fullback, at the expense of Jono Lance, is the only change to the Waratahs’ starting side.
Midfield playmaker Kurtley Beale has battled a sore back this week, but the Waratahs insist he will play.
mbgrice
Guest
He would've been a very good leaguie if he stayed, possibly a great. Anyone who has played both Origin and Test football before their 19th b'day is a special talent. Though the thing that has really impressed me about Izzy is how disciplined and how hard he trains. Some extremely talented players ie.JOC, Beale don't push themselves simply because they don't have too but Folau is different. He has the right mindset and abilities to become a great, if he will is another story but the potential is sure there. All the best to him, it's refreshing having someone as good as him be so humble and just the fact he isn't a d'head.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Easter long w-e, dry weather, Izzy back, can we break 20K tonight? Hope so.
Stevo
Guest
What could you mean? Surely not that the Tahs are a 1 man team? No, never, oh well if you say so. Actually in all seriousness I agree they are a 1 man band… and his Nameth be Folau
Magic Sponge
Guest
Ejack that says something about our nurseries doesn't it, that a player, playing 1 and a bit seasons is head and shoulders above any other back in this country. We may have to resort to buying a lot more leaguies to remain competitive.
Quicksilver
Guest
The headline says it all and that is why the Tahs will not win the title.
RobC
Roar Guru
Tahs have a similar issue as Reds - though different in nature Generally, creating opportunities but unable to close. Both applying advanced moves that require error free execution, but failing in the heat of the battle. As mentioned by various commentators on vid/podcasts, they should also focus on basic plays using the talent/team they have. And just do them well - otherwise known as Plan B. Or just doing it the Brumbies way.
Michael
Guest
What a special player. Very dangerous as well if given the opportunity. The Bulls must play extremely well if they're to win this one. Good luck to both teams.
eagleJack
Guest
Just by being on the field Folau creates space for others. Sure the Tahs look significantly weaker without him. But so would the Wallabies. He is simply streets ahead of anyone else in this country.
Magic Sponge
Guest
Two tries minimum, more likely 4 tries for Izzy. Go the tahs, the bulls are off to the abatoir