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Folau booed by Twickenham crowd, Kerevi injury scare, but sun shines on Eddie as BaaBaas down World XV

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28th May, 2023
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Israel Folau was booed after scoring a try for the World XV as former England coach Eddie Jones tasted success on his return to Twickenham with the Barbarians in a close battle.

Folau was given the harsh reception by some in the 32,500 crowd when he scored on of the 14 tries in the BaaBaas 48-42 win.

Folau was sacked by Rugby Australia in 2019 after making anti-gay comments on social media and the Rugby Football Union flew a Pride flag at Twickenham in response to his selection by World XV coach Steve Hansen.

Israel Folau of World XV is tackled by Tevita Li of Barbarians during the Kilik Cup match between Barbarians and World XV at Twickenham Stadium on May 28, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Israel Folau of World XV is tackled by Tevita Li of Barbarians. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

The same venue had booed off Jones at end of his seven year reign with the England national team that ended in December.

But he was warmly received as he led his team through the Twickenham gates.

Jones said: “It was fantastic to be back. It brought back good memories.

“As a coach you rarely get to leave on your own terms but I spent seven years here, the longest I’ve ever coach a team, so I loved every minute of being back. The sun was shining so no overcoat or scarf, fantastic.”

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There was a concern for Australia with Samu Kerevi being forced off with an injury in the opening 20 minutes.

Jones played down fears of anything major.

“Just a tiny little strain in his hamstring,” he said. “It’s to be expected coming back from a knee recon. I liked what I saw. Powerful, quick, incisive. We will get him right for the Rugby Championship and then for the World Cup.

Kerevi and Quade Coop[er started the game and Jones said the week of training had been useful.

“They have had a whole week together,” he said. “It’s been useful. It’s been like having a mini-training camp with those two there for the Wallabies. We thank the Barbarians for doing that.”

Jones enjoyed his return to coaching ahead of the Jult Rugby Championship Tests.

“I have had a smile all week, being able to coach on the field, practice getting a team together in a short period of time. A lot of it is the players but you have got to know when to give them room and when to step in. It was great practice for me. Invaluable,” he said.

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Jones, meanwhile, said he didn’t hear the booing of Folau.

“I didn’t hear it, I was watching the game,” he said.

“We want all good players to be playing international rugby and for him [Folau] to get the opportunity to play again, that three-year rule from World Rugby is a very sensible rule. It gives players who have represented other countries and have natural allegiances to another country a chance to play. That is very good.”

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