Waratahs star Israel Folau admits he has 'never been challenged like this before'

With the end of the Super Rugby season in sight, the conferences have become competitions within the competition. While the Australian conference has hardly set the world on fire, the irony is that the convoluted structure of the competition ensures one team from our region must play finals.

Which brings me to Sunday's game between the Waratahs and Rebels and the need for the Tahs to get on a bit of a roll before Super Rugby breaks for the June Tests.

Running man: Israel Folau takes on the Kings.Credit: Getty Images

Through the week I sat down with Israel Folau to get his take on Sunday's clash and all things Waratahs. By the way, I have to admit that I was a little "man struck". Izzy walked up the stairs at Waratahs HQ and he just kept getting bigger and bigger, and I kept looking up and up. You can see why he is such a massive threat on the park.

Matt Burke: The Rebels are going through a tough time right now with the threat of being axed by the ARU. I imagine that you would feel some empathy for them, but you obviously want to finish the season well?

Tough times: Israel Folau and the Waratahs look dejected as the Crusaders pile on the tries.Credit: Getty Images

Israel Folau: We definitely feel for them in the position they're in at the moment. But, as players, we're obligated to go out there and do the best for the Waratah jersey. It's about doing your part, but after that we are mates again and, yes, mixed emotions. So the weekend is about getting out there and putting on a performance against the Rebels.

MB: How is your form? Are you happy where you are?

IF: I haven't been happy with my year, it's been frustrating.

MB: You are still scoring tries!

IF: Those things are a bonus to me. I haven't been happy with my overall game and that's because I have high expectations of myself. I can't put it down to one thing. It's a team sport and I have to work with the guys around me to get that game I know I can play.

There have been some opportunities that I've missed. At the same time, it's been a growth period for me as well. Throughout my career I have never been challenged like this before – it's something new. But I'm trying to turn my focus to the team rather than myself and that takes my mind off my own game, which is good. It's a learning experience for me, but it's tough.

MB: What is your best position, No.15, 13 or 11?

IF: My most comfortable position is fullback. I love coming into the line in attack, but I did enjoy the experiment and the experience playing at 13. If I needed to play those positions down the track, I would be comfortable. Fifteen is the position that I see myself playing most of the time.

MB: But not too many more for the Wallabies. I would like to keep one record (met with laughter).

Who will thrive for the Tahs on Sunday?

IF: Our skipper [Michael Hooper] never lets us down and with the weather coming into play, he dominates in the ruck and will have a real influence on the game. He provides opportunity for the team, but you still have to have the confidence to play.

MB: How do you change the mindset to have the belief to go from the start?

IF: Some of the guys are scared to make mistakes, but if you're having a crack trying to do it and make a mistake, that's fine. The coach has given us the licence to express ourselves, to go and do it and not be scared. The last few games we have played some good footy, but we have waited 40 minutes to feel comfortable, but [by then] it's too late.

I don't like the perception that people have about the Aussie teams and the Kiwi teams in the way the two nations play. I believe in the players we have and we definitely have the skill set. There's just something that's holding us back to go out there and play footy, and that's the difference at the moment.

MB: It has been a difficult year – but you're still in it. You could find yourselves in the finals, where anything can happen.

IF: Yeah, the boys know that and with five games to go – and it's the great cliche – we want to take it one week at a time. We know we can still get there. It has been disappointing and frustrating, so making the most of what we have left is still our goal. The Australian conference is tight.

MB: Is it tough to be a hero for the kids, considering where you guys are at at the moment – not too many wins?

IF: It has been challenging. We are always trying to do the best that we can within the community, trying to reach as many kids as we can. But when the results are not going your way, it's tough. You really feel disappointed, letting ourselves down and also the people that come to support us each week.

MB: What's the Izzy Folau style before games, because you look cool calm and collected?

IF: I'm pretty cruisy. Definitely music before the game. I don't think too much about the game or even that much in the change room. Then when I go out and cross the sidelines, then I start thinking about my role for the team. I'm a guy who likes to relax and get away from the actual game, it keeps my mind settled and calm and that's when I feel I can play my best rugby.

You have to have a great balance, but everybody is different, depending on what works for you as a player, but when it's off, it's right off.

MB: What is your escape? Are you a golfer?

IF: Definitely not a golfer. I like my coffee. I like going to a cafe down by the beach, hanging with my mates and having a chat. It's a pretty heavy schedule for athletes in general, so getting things right off field is so very important to play well on the field.

We have been putting in the work, we have been training hard, but it's difficult to put a finger on it. The positive is that we are still in the hunt for finals footy and that's what matters.

MB: Thanks Izzy. Good luck.

IF: Thanks legend and, by the way, it's a privilege to wear your jumper.

He may or may not have said that last line.