Folau's rugby league flashbacks paying off

Mon, Jun 19, 2017, 7:52 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
The Wallabies are hoping to put the Scotland loss in their rear view mirror as they begin preparing to take on Italy at Suncorp Stadium. Coach Michael Cheika insisting comments that the side doesn't care are off the mark.

Michael Cheika may be listening to frustrated Australian rugby fans but Israel Folau won't be reading Jack Quigley's Facebook post.

He can understand the frustration but strongly believes that it's only a matter of time before the Wallabies produce some high quality rugby.

"Personally, I didn't have a read (of Quigley's post)," he said.


"Only because I believe in the group that we have here and the team that we have, the coaching staff and all the work that goes in.

"I just think personally, as well, I'm sure he's a great guy but everyone is always going to have an opinion - whether that's good or bad.

"It's obviously very frustrating from a supporter's point of view and that's understandable, I guess.

"From a player's point of view we are working really hard and doing the best that we can to play a good brand of rugby.

"Obviously we know it's not up to standard at the moment but for us, we hope the fans stick by us through these times.

"We know what we are building inside this inner circle as a team and we are definitely confident and have that real belief that going forward, we can certainly improve as a team."

In a Wallabies team with few standout performers, Folau has been among Australia's best in the first two Tests of 2017.

Israel Folau soared for this take. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart WalmsleyHe has been a constant threat with ball in hand and has four tries to show for that but it was his towering take over Greig Tonks which caught the eye on Saturday.

"It actually reminded me of being back in my rugby league days," he said.

"I certainly enjoyed that one - it was one that you could see from my reaction after I scored that I was very excited.

"For me, I've really been enjoying my rugby and trying to make the most of each moment I get from within the game."

Folau has been a perfect fit at fullback after spending plenty of time at outside centre for the Waratahs at the beginning of the year.

He has the best seat in the house when it comes to analysing the Australian defence and the 28-year-old identified two key areas which the Wallabies must address before taking on Italy.

"I thought our line speed was pretty passive and we knew that straight after the game," he said.

"Getting to the breakdown first, just our reaction time was pretty off compared to most times and I think those are the key things going into this game."

The Wallabies host Italy on Saturday in Brisbane, kicking off at 3pm AEST LIVE on FOX SPORTS and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO. Buy tickets here.

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