Israel Folau’s absence means Reds can put the boot into the Waratahs

NO Israel Folau increases Queensland’s chances of a boilover, yet 80 minutes of exceptional defence is still needed to get close to the NSW Waratahs.

Waratahs Israel Folau on his way to scoring a try during the Waratahs v Highlanders Super Rugby game at Allianz Stadium, Sydney. Pic Brett Costello

NO Israel Folau increases Queensland’s chances of a boilover, yet 80 minutes of exceptional defence is still needed to get close to the NSW Waratahs.

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika is an old-fashioned coach who hates losing anything so don’t imagine his top-ranked side suddenly softening on Saturday night.

He also knows the Waratahs have not yet won anything so resting Izzy (corked thigh) for a Super Rugby semi-final on July 26 makes sense.

The Tahs lose their alpha-factor, the ability to turn half-breaks into five-pointers, the ability for one extra one-handed off-load in a sweeping attack.

The Reds can now kick more naturally in general play without Izzy at Suncorp Stadium. It’s significant considering how the Reds were burnt by kicking aimlessly towards him in Sydney in March.

Back in 1989, I remember playing for NSW in the second game of the interstate series in Sydney.

The Reds brought out the old kick high-and-hope tactic with Michael Lynagh launching pinpoint bombs and the 110kg Anthony Herbert bearing down on an isolated David Knox.

“Smash him Herbie” was the call. He did and it was a long afternoon for a 31-0 loss.

Can the Reds find the right plan to stifle the flowing Waratahs game? They can, but only if Reds coach Richard Graham and his depleted team play smart and sustain it.

Looking beyond this weekend, the 2015 Reds will be more than handy if party boy signing James O’Connor is joined as a recruit by Karmichael Hunt and a brawny backrower.

The most significant factor will be signing a big forward like Leicester’s Sydney-born flanker-lock Steve Mafi, a 112kg type, or Stormers backrower Nizaam Carr, who was exceptional last week against the Bulls.

Originally published as Israel Folau’s absence means Reds can put the boot into the Waratahs