Israel Folau wants redemption, not rest, after Waratahs’ close loss to Hurricanes

Ordinarily, a match against the Sunwolves in Tokyo would be the ideal chance for the Waratahs to sit out Israel Folau under the Wallabies’ obscure rest policy — but Folau has other ideas.

Israel Folau of the Waratahs makes a break and sets up Curtis Rona of the Waratahs for a try during the Round 1 Super Rugby match between the NSW Waratahs and Hurricanes at Brookvale Oval in Sydney, Saturday, February 16, 2019. (AAP Image/Craig Golding) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

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Ordinarily, Saturday’s match against the lowly Sunwolves in Tokyo would be the ideal match for the Waratahs to sit out Israel Folau under the Wallabies’ obscure rest policy.

But after last Saturday’s heartbreaking 20-19 loss to the Hurricanes in NSW’s Super Rugby opener, Folau is desperate for a chance at redemption.

“After the result, every player will want to turn things around and be eager to go out there and get the result we want,” Folau said.

“But that’s definitely not in our hands, and up to the coaching staff, in what way they want to go.

“In saying that, we want to be out there every week playing footy.”

Waratahs star Israel Folau wants redemption not rest. Picture: AAP Image/Craig Golding

There is no public outline of what the Wallabies’ rest policy is for frontline players in preparation for September’s World Cup in Japan.

Kurtley Beale was rested from the match against the Hurricanes at Brookvale Oval, with NSW coach Daryl Gibson confirming he will bring the playmaker back into the squad this week.

Folau and other top Wallabies will have to sit out some Super games this year as national coach Michael Cheika wants them in fresh condition for their World Cup campaign, and there is a natural assumption they’ll be rested for away games so as not to aggravate Australian fans.

“I can see both sides of the spectrum, where if you’re the coach you’re probably wanting your elite players where they try and get a break for later on in the season, but it’s going to be difficult, it’s the first time we’ve been able to go through this,” Folau said.

“We just play it by ear as the year goes on.

“Each player is different, some guys like to build that momentum and keep playing on, and other guys would love to take that rest and take a bit of time away from the footy field.”

Beale’s return creates a selection headache for Gibson, given his replacement at inside centre, Karmichael Hunt, was in sterling form in his Tahs debut at Brookvale.

Karmichael Hunt’s impressive debut has created a selection headache for the Waratahs. Picture: Brook Mitchell/Getty Images

Gibson could simply do a straight swap from Hunt to Beale at No. 12, though it is not inconceivable he’ll keep Hunt at inside centre and play Beale at fullback, which could push Folau — should he play — to the wing where he has been used previously.

“I’ve made it clear in the past that fullback is my preferred position, but obviously the team comes first,” Folau said.

“You’ve got strike players like KB and Karmichael, if the coach decides he wants both of them on the paddock at the same time, and if that means for myself to shift to the wing I’d be more than happy to do that.

“I’m confident in those guys getting the ball out to the edges, so I think it wouldn’t be a problem.”

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