NSW Waratahs to face Queensland Reds without Israel Folau due to corked thigh

ISRAEL Folau has been ruled out of the Waratahs’ final-round clash with the Reds in Brisbane after he failed to overcome a corked thigh.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 08: Paddy Ryan (L) and Israel Folau (R) watch on from the sideline during a Waratahs Super Rugby training session at Kippax Lake on July 8, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

ISRAEL Folau has been ruled out of the Waratahs’ final-round clash with the Reds in Brisbane after he failed to overcome a corked thigh.

Folau had been in doubt all week after suffering the injury in Sunday’s 44-16 victory over the Highlanders.

The Waratahs made the call to rest the superstar fullback on Thursday morning with his place to be taken by Cam Crawford.

Lock Will Skelton replaces South African Jacques Potgieter in the only other change to the starting line-up.

The Waratahs will be pushing for a seventh straight Super Rugby victory this weekend.

They cannot be shifted from top spot and have already secured a home final in the second week of the playoffs.

Originally published as NSW Waratahs to face Queensland Reds without Israel Folau due to corked thigh