\"Tentative\" Folau racing the clock to face Boks

Wed, Sep 5, 2018, 10:50 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
Wallabies duo Ned Hanigan and Tom Robertson have used their training free day to visit kids at the Lady Cilento Children's Hopsital in Brisbane. The pair putting smiles on faces as well as picking up some lego tips from one young, budding engineer.

Israel Folau remains a hope of lining up against the Springboks, having "pushed" his ankle through a full training session on Tuesday.

Folau is one of four Wallabies under an injury cloud ahead of Saturday's must win Test but after taking part in limited duties on Monday, flyhalf Bernard Foley said the star fullback completed a full session on Tuesday.

"He's been around the squad this week and really wants to play on Saturday," Foley said on Fox Sports' Kick and Chase.

"He definitely pushed it in training yesterday and I think he completed the whole training session.

"It's up to the medical staff as to how he pulled up today and then making sure he does all of tomorrow's training session.

"If he gets through that I'm sure he will have the green light.


"He's been a bit tentative with it but I think he's eager to get back in the game."

Folau's chances of lining up may be cloudy but there are better hopes for star prop Taniela Tupou.

Having missed both Bledisloe Cup Tests it's understood Tupou is likely to be named in the 23 on Thursday.

Whether that's in the No. 3 or No. 17 jersey remains to be seen but either way he will be a timely boost for a Wallabies team which has won just one of their last seven starts.

David Pocock is the other forward under an injury cloud after he pulled up very sore from the second Bledisloe but he is also expected to be given until Saturday to prove his fitness.

His presence will be sorely missed if he is not named as Foley highlighted the importance of stopping the Boks up front.


"We have to prepare up front for the physicality and that set piece battle," he said.

"They pride themselves on that and a lot of their forward pack has come through the Lions and where they have been successful is that set piece dominance.

"For us it's definitely halting their momentum up front and then denying their opportunities to the outside backs."

Foley also highlighted the need to "demand more" from one another in the lead up to Saturday's Test.

"We have to demand more of ourselves and making sure that we are prepared right and have done all the work off the field, making sure we understand everyone's role and more importantly our own role," he said.

"If everyone does their own role this team is going to be a lot better off."

The Wallabies face the Springboks at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, kicking off at 8pm AEST, broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS, Channel Ten and RUGBY.com.au radio.

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