England talk all white noise for Wallabies star Folau

Wed, May 4, 2016, 3:29 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Qantas Wallabies star Israel Folau spoke to the media at today's ASICS 2016 Wallabies Jersey launch.

England have been throwing barbs for months but Wallabies fullback Israel Folau says he’s happy for them to keep talking.

Folau said the talk coming from the English camp could be used as inspiration for some, but he was tuning the noise out.

“I guess every player’s different,” he said, at the Wallabies 2016 jersey launch.

“It can fire you up but some guys tend to ignore it.

“I’m probably that person where I don’t really take notice, that’s no disrespect to them.”

With some Super Rugby water to go under the bridge before the Wallabies come together for camp in the last week of May, Folau said our domestic competition was where his focus laid.

“I think for the players, we’re never taking too much notice of that,” he said.

“We’re in the middle of our season of Super Rugby.

“I’m sure Cheik and the rest of the coaching staff will be taking notes.

“Things like that we don't really take notice of and as a player you just want to control and worry about the things you can.”

The Wallabies are focused on themselves. Photo:  Getty ImagesWhile he has played two of his best 2016 games at outside centre, Folau said he wasn’t anticipating playing there in June.

“I haven’t had any talks with Cheik and that,” he said.

“It’s totally out of my control and I’m sure the coaching staff will come up with a decision then. By far I guess the less of my worries.

“That’s (fullback) probably where I’ve played mostly besides the start of my Test career where I started on the wing,” he said.

“The last couple of weeks have been a good change for me and been I’ve really enjoying playing in that position. I’ve got to make the squad first.

Wherever Folau plays, the wallabies backline will have a different look to it in June, with Will Genia the only one likely to be back from France for the England series.

Folau said there were plenty of players who could step up in the midfield.

“I think we’ve got some great players and great depth in the Australian competition,” he said.

“Guys like (Tevita) Kuridrani and guys like (Samu) Kerevi have been playing really well in that midfield.

You’ve got (Matt) Toomua and Christian (Lealiifano) and all those guys been playing well so I'm sure there are plenty of options for the coaches to pick from.

“Whoever gets picked in the midfield will do a good job.”

The Wallabies head into camp on May 29, ahead of the June 11 England Series opener in Brisbane.

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