Israel Folau wins first premiership as Waratahs clinch Super Rugby title

FINALLY, this is the title the NRL stole from Israel Folau. The code-hopping superstar finally has his first premiership after the Waratahs’ thrilling win.

Waratahs Israel Folau celebrates victory at full time in the Waratahs v Crusaders Super Rugby Final at ANZ Stadium, Sydney. Pic Brett Costello

FINALLY, this is the title the NRL stole from Israel Folau.

A thrilling final between the two most exciting teams this season saw the Waratahs clinch their first title by the narrowest of margins over the Crusaders.

Folau may have played three sporting codes, but this is his first premiership win and it will certainly go a long way to make up for what was taken from him seven years ago.

The closest he came before this was with the Melbourne Storm in 2007, but the club was later stripped of their title for salary cap breaches.

Folau spent another three years in the NRL with Melbourne and Brisbane, but was unable to win a premiership. Then followed two unsuccessful years with the GWS Giants in the AFL, though he does have Aussie Rules to thank for his superior ability in the air.

Israel Folau gets an offload away despite a tackle from Crusaders star Dan Carter.

That skill was on show at ANZ Stadium all night, as he cleanly caught each ball sent his way. It was something the Crusaders had been wary of heading into the game and they were reluctant to send any kicks in his direction given his prowess on the counter attack.

Not only does Folau catch the ball, but his ability to successfully offload it and set up his teammates is second to none. Before Saturday night’s final he boasted 44 offloads — the best in the competition.

The try-scoring battle between Folau and Nemani Nadolo was billed as one to watch out for before the game and the Waratahs clearly had a plan for the Crusaders’ Brisbane-born winger.

While the Crusaders did their best to keep the ball away from Folau, the Tahs repeatedly kicked over Nadolo’s head, exploiting a weakness in his aerial game.

But there are no weaknesses in the giant flyer’s running game, as he showed when he powered down the line to score a controversial try early in the second half. Replays showed Nadolo’s boot touched the line before he grounded the ball, but the try was still awarded.

Nemani Nadolo breaks away to score a try for the Crusaders.

That took Nadolo to 12 tries for the season — equal with Folau as the most in the competition.

The Crusaders attempted to play down the Waratahs home ground advantage by claiming ANZ Stadium would be more of a neutral venue.

Folau refused to bite, saying before the game that he felt very much at home in Homebush. And why wouldn’t he? He has played NRL grand finals and State of Origin deciders at ANZ, not to mention it was the place he made his AFL debut. Now, he will remember it as the venue where he finally lifted a premiership trophy.

The record 62,000 crowd had their own response to the Crusaders’ jibes. The raucous applause that greeted the Tahs as they ran onto the field inspired the NSW side to surge to a 14-0 lead in no time.

And the first “New South Wales” chants echoed around the stadium with less than 10 minutes on the clock.

It rang out again in the final 10 minutes as the players were urged on to create history. It won’t be the last time it’s heard either.

Folau has been an integral part of the cultural revolution at the Waratahs and, even without their maiden Super Rugby title, this courageous bunch of players have proven that rugby can hold its own in NSW.

Originally published as Israel Folau wins first premiership as Waratahs clinch Super Rugby title