Israel Folau focus is on helping Waratahs get back on track

Israel Folau insists the controversy in which he has been embroiled has not reduced his chances of remaining in rugby.

Israel Folau, training with the Waratahs in Sydney yesterday, will return at fullback tomorrow after a month on the sidelines injured. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Israel Folau says the month-long controversy in which he has been embroiled has done nothing to reduce his chances of remaining in rugby, nor is he concerned about how some players have spoken out against him.

The Wallabies fullback has returned to the Waratahs side for tomorrow’s match at Brookvale Oval against the Blues, the first time he has been fit to play since the controversy stirred up by his Instagram remark that God’s plan for homosexuals was eternal damnation unless they repented.

The comments agitated Rugby Australia sponsors, who threatened to pull their support. Former Wallabies teammate Nic White and All Blacks pair TJ Perenara and Brad Weber said they were disgusted by Folau’s stand.

Coming as it did as Folau’s management team were talking with RA over re-signing once his contract expires at the end of the year, it led to widespread speculation that the 29-year-old might be looking to leave rugby.

“No, absolutely not,” Folau said yesterday. “At the end of the day, you’re an adult and you’ve got to clear those things up. You can’t hold grudges. I’ve been fine with how everything’s rolled out over the last month and my focus now is getting back on the field.”

As for the criticism, he said he took none of it personally.

“I understand everyone is entitled to their opinion,’’ he said.

“I stand firm in what I believe in and that’s something personal. But it’s got nothing personal against anyone, teammates or anyone who’s involved in the game.”

It seemed almost a relief to Folau to hear the old arguments rolled out about whether fullback or winger was his best position. Clearly, his preference was to play at the back but, as he said, there was no reason, just because he was wearing the 15 jersey, why he could not mix it up and play on the wing when the moment demanded.

“It’s up to talking to the wingers. That’s not an option that’s entirely gone away,” he said.

Coach Daryl Gibson said he was proud of the way the side had fought during the month Folau was out with a hamstring injury.

“They’ve done very well without him but he brings a lot, a different attacking option,” he said, referring to the kick contests.

“The four weeks he’s been away have been a good opportunity for him to get his body right, get his mind back into footy.”

The Tahs, unhappily, have lurched to another crisis in the meantime. Nick Phipps has been stood down from the club captaincy and fined $4000 after urinating on a bar at his buck’s party.

“That’s really hurt us,” said Gibson. “He’s almost irreplaceable for us and that’s going to be a big hole to fill.”

NSW are still “seething” over the 29-0 defeat they suffered at the hands of the Lions in their last match, and still trying to fathom the lessons that came out of it.

The lesson Gibson has taken away from it is the need to mix and match his selection over the next five weeks.

“There’s not a lot between our starters and finishers,” he said. “I don’t want guys to be disheartened because they’re not getting a run. I’m making a real strong commitment to the team that things are going to be different over the next few weeks.”

Gibson has opted for speed in his pack. Will Miller comes in at blindside flanker and Ned Hanigan returns to the second row. Gibson has reverted to his centre pairing from the start of the season, recalling Lalakai Foketi to outside centre to partner Kurtley Beale. And former Australian sevens star Cam Clark has been chosen for his first Super Rugby start of the year, on the wing, as part of the reshuffle to restore Folau at fullback.

The match could well be played on a slippery and unstable surface and Brookvale Oval is certain to be tested by rugby scrums but Gibson says there is no concern.

“We’ve done our checks. It’s been unfortunate with (NRL players) who’ve suffered ACLs (at Brookvale) but we’re confident.”