Jake White says code-hopper Israel Folau must prove he's committed to rugby union

WORLD Cup-winning coach Jake White maintains Israel Folau must commit to a long-term rugby career before he's given a Wallabies jersey.

Israel Folau

WORLD Cup-winning Brumbies coach Jake White maintains Israel Folau must commit to a long-term rugby career before he's given a Wallabies jersey.

The Brumbies coach created a stir two weeks ago when he questioned Folau's Wallaby credentials, saying it would be "an indictment on the Wallabies jersey" if the code-hopper was picked while undecided about his future.

On the eve of their crucial match against the Waratahs, White has refused to back down. The former Springbok coach doesn't doubt the phenomenal talents of the superstar, who has improved every week with the Waratahs, but he questions the message it would send should Folau be chosen to play against the British & Irish Lions.

"No one is saying he's not good enough, no one's saying he's not talented enough, no one's saying he wouldn't add massive amounts of value to the team," White said.

"But I'm not sure whether or not the message is that a guy who's not committed to the cause and doesn't really want to play and isn't sure where he's going to be next year should be given the privilege of playing in probably the second biggest rugby event on the rugby calendar."

White believes a Wallabies jersey should come with an instruction label: Wear with pride, honour and long-term commitment. Playing for your country shouldn't mean any less than that.

"I'm an old-school guy and I just think at the end of the day it's a great honour and it's a fantastic privilege to play for your country and it's an even bigger honour to play against the British & Irish Lions," he said.

"It would be wonderful for rugby if Israel Folau commits himself to playing for the Wallabies for 100 Test matches.

"I just don't know whether it would send the right message out to give someone that opportunity and then find out a month later that he's leaving your code. I don't think that would send the right message out to people who would do anything to be part of this campaign."

David Pocock is one player who would have done anything to be part of the Lions series, but a long-term knee injury ruled the Brumbies forward out of contention.

"He (Pocock) is not going to play against the Lions and he feels as though he's missed his opportunity," White said.

"I'm not sure if a guy -- and it's not just Folau, it's anybody -- who's not prepared to be part of rugby for the next couple of years when it's such an exciting time should be given the honour and the privilege of playing in one of the best rugby games."

On Sunday, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans will name his squad to take on the Lions and many people, White included, will look on with interest to see whether Folau's name is on that list.

Either way, White believes Australian rugby is in a strong place and he has no doubt that, whoever Deans picks, the Wallabies have enough talent to win the series.

"Every team goes through cycles and I think it's an exciting time for Australian rugby," White said.