Brumbies No.9 Nic White says his side won’t be sledging Israel Folau in semi-final

BRUMBIES halfback Nic White says his teammates will refrain from sledging Israel Folau because last time they “poked the wrong bear”.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 24: Israel Folau of the Waratahs runs with the ball during a Waratahs Super Rugby training session at Kippax Lake on July 24, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)

BRUMBIES halfback Nic White says his teammates will refrain from sledging Israel Folau in Saturday’s semi-final because last time they “poked the wrong bear”.

Folau revealed this week that Brumbies players had verbally sprayed him in their previous encounter four weeks ago, but White was adamant that wouldn’t be repeated at Allianz Stadium.

“They poked the wrong bear,” White said.

“It didn’t work that time, so I don’t think they’ll be doing it this time.”

“It doesn’t matter what you throw at Izzy. He’s going to make it work.

“You’ve got to be on your game as there’s not one technique that will work against him. He’s a genuine freak.”

Folau said before NSW’s 39-8 win over the Brumbies last month that White often had “a fair bit to say” but the scrappy No.9 denied he was the one who baited the brilliant fullback.

“He’s a long, long way away from me. I’ve got my head in there with the forwards,” White said.

Meanwhile, the Brumbies have talked up their experience in sudden-death games as they approach their second successive semi-final against the Waratahs, who have not featured in one since 2010.

“We’ve played two do-or-die games over the last two weeks, and we had a pretty finals campaign last year with a lot of nerves, I think there’s a bit of experience here now in learning how to control those nerves and staying calm, and trying to peak at the right time which is Saturday night,” prop Ben Alexander said.

Coach Stephen Larkham added: “This group of guys are certainly comfortable with finals football.

“We played finals football last year and lost to the Chiefs. We’ve played one finals game this year against the Chiefs, and the Force game the week prior was the equivalent of a final.

“I think the guys stand up to the pressure quite well, we certainly have that experience on our side.”

Originally published as Brumbies No.9 Nic White says his side won’t be sledging Israel Folau in semi-final