Folau: it's one match at a time

Wed, Jul 15, 2015, 2:00 AM
AAP
by AAP

Wallaby Test season is about to get underway this weekend against the Springboks at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

With 2015 being a World Cup year, Australia will be looking to start their early campaign with a bang, with their only home games of the season being played first and second on the Rugby calendar.

Qantas Wallabies superstar full-back Israel Folau is well aware of the importance of this Saturday’s Test.

“It’s very exciting with the World Cup in September but we’ve got to look after these games beforehand, with the five Tests before heading over there. We’ve still got a lot to look after and it starts this week with the Springboks.”

Determined not to get ahead of himself, Folau recognises the importance of taking it one match at a time ahead of September.

“For us as a group, we’ll just take one week at a time and this week against the Springboks is going to be a pretty tough challenge for us.”

“It’s the First Test this year for the Wallabies, so we’re looking to try and go out there and perform the best that we can.”

The 26-year-old is excited to be a part of the Wallabies squad taking on the Springboks this weekend, playing in front of a home crowd with fond memories from Suncorp stadium in Brisbane.

“It’s great to play at Suncorp and when it’s at full capacity as a player it’s huge. You’re running out to a huge crowd where you’re trying to draw that energy to use it to your advantage.”

The Wallabies are well aware of their tough opposition the Springboks, something Folau along with his team mates are preparing for.

“The Springboks are a big side upfront with their forwards. I think our key focus is to muscle up and be physical upfront and try and match them, but as a team we pretty much don’t know what to expect but we want to try and play a good brand of Rugby,” Folau said.

“I think they’ve got great balance across their backline, with a good running and kicking game. They’ve got some very dangerous outside backs. For myself and the rest of the outside backs, it’s a huge job to look after on Saturday.”

With a brand new Test season about to start along with a whole new dynamic within the Wallabies squad, an optimistic Folau believes they are ready to take on this huge Rugby World Cup year.

“We have enough time to adapt. Mostly the guys know each other, obviously we play against each other throughout the Super Rugby Comp and we’ve played in the past with each other with the Wallabies.”

“Off the field is where we’ve got to connect and if we do that then hopefully things on the field can flow a little bit better.”

The Qantas Wallabies take on the South African Springboks this Saturday, 18th July at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane with tickets available for as little as $35.

To buy tickets CLICK HERE

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