Waratahs will continue using Israel Folau as kick-off weapon

THE Waratahs are just two home wins away from clearing a path to the Super Rugby grand final but that won’t stop coach Daryl Gibson taking a major risk with their most potent attacking weapon.

Israel Folau has been potent in the air for the Waratahs. Picture: Getty

THE Waratahs will continue using Israel Folau as a jumper for kick-offs despite the star fullback being suspended by World Rugby last week.

The controversial call to ban Folau for one week for contact he made with Irish skipper Peter O’Mahony in the third Test raised questions as to how any future aerial challenges would be viewed by the governing body.

But NSW coach Daryl Gibson is adamant that they’ll continue using the tactic that resulted in Folau’s questionable suspension.

Israel Folau copped a controversial one-match ban for this challenge. Picture: AFP

“Yes, I think his ability there is outstanding, we get a lot of possession gained off his ability to get the ball back,’ Gibson said.

“What we’re refining is how can do that without drawing attention to potential consequences of that aerial challenge.”

Folau returns at fullback for NSW on Saturday, after missing last week’s win over Melbourne.

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Gibson said it would require further discussion between officials and coaches to get clarity over what constitutes foul play and what is acceptable in the air.

“That’s still an area the game needs to look at, in terms of how we interpret the aerial contest that we are getting,’ Gibson said.

“Underlying all of that is player safety, we don’t guys landing on their heads.

“What is known is that it is a very difficult area to law and police, so it’s one where coaches and administrators get together and look at a law that can work towards those outcomes.”

Israel Folau has been potent in the air for the Waratahs. Picture: Getty

A big talking point after Folau’s suspension was the one-man lift at kick-offs.

O’Mahony was being lifted by only one teammate, CJ Stander, who had a loose grip on his captain when Folau made contact after tapping back the ball to his teammates.

World Rugby ruled that on his way down Folau had made a “claw-like” motion across O’Mahony’s chest causing him to flip and fall dangerously.

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Originally published as Waratahs will continue using Israel Folau as kick-off weapon