Folau not rushing decision on future

Wed, Mar 14, 2018, 7:01 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
Despite a poor performance in Buenos Aires, Waratahs fullback Israel Folau is backing the team to bounce back on Sunday, believing it's mental lapses rather than skill level which is hampering the team.

Behind the scenes there may be a frantic rush for Israel Folau's signature but the superstar fullback won't be making any rash moves, preaching patience as he weighs up his future.

Folau and the Waratahs have returned to Sydney off the back of their two week round the world tour, a clash with the undefeated Rebels on Sunday their next acid test.

While both Folau and his team's attention will be squarely focused on how they can go about halting the red hot Rebels, the eyes of the sporting world will be on Folau until he makes a call on where he will play his football in 2019.

The 28-year-old will field offers from rugby clubs across the globe and a return to the NRL will also be touted, though he was typically coy when asked about any potential decision on Wednesday.

"I'm pretty comfortable in terms of my position and everything that's going on," Folau said.Folau hasn't decided whether he will stay at the Tahs in 2019. Photo: Getty Images"There's no rush from my end, my management are always doing a lot of work in the background and I haven't really thought about it too much.

"My job is obviously solely here and what I can do with the team here."

While the carrot of a second World Cup campaign will be dangled, Folau said he had "plenty of options" to weigh up.

"It's something I enjoyed last time around but in saying that there are plenty of options on the line," he said.

"When the time comes I will make that decision, when I'm ready.

"There's no rush.

"I want to make sure everything is set in position, that I feel comfortable and then I will come out and make that announcement."Folau and the Waratahs were well beaten by the Jaguares. Photo: Getty ImagesOn field, Folau and his Tahs teammates are well aware their defence must improve if they are to hand the Rebels their first loss of the year.

Melbourne have scored the second most points in the competition - behind only the Lions - and have done it in structured play, as well as on the counter attack.

That presents a considerable challenge for a Waratahs side that was asleep at the wheel in the opening 20 minutes against the Jaguares.

"There were plenty of individual errors in that part of our game - our defence - but we have had a review of the game and look forward now to what is ahead on Sunday arvo against the Rebels," Folau said.

"There's no excuse for us being away for a couple of weeks now, coming back for this game.

"The Hurricanes did it well last weekend so for us, it's a matter of getting ourselves right, getting our preparation right when we get out here on the field and make sure we put in the work."Folau will be calling for more cross field kicks against Melbourne. Photo: Getty ImagesThe star fullback also stressed the importance of surprising the Rebels defence, which has been a catalyst for their attack in the opening month.

Should Melbourne rush up, Folau will be looking for kicks in behind from Bernard Foley and Kurtley Beale.

"Me, personally, in the game situation I am always ready and always looking for those opportunities," he said.

"We speak about it a lot with the playmakers in the team who are in a position to put those cross kicks over.

"I know it's a strength of mine so hopefully we can be using that a lot more when the opportunity presents itself in a game.

"Most teams across the competition now are starting to bring that line speed and that quick tempo in terms of defence

"You have got to manipulate the defence and put the questions back on them with kicks and things like that - make them think twice about their line speed.

"The playmakers and the guys in the team know they have that in their back pocket - it's a matter of making that right decision on the run and nailing that skill."

The Waratahs host the Rebels at Allianz Stadium on Sunday, kicking off at 4:05pm AEDT, broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS and RUGBY.com.au radio.

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