Israel Folau kept in cotton wool for semi-finals
Waratahs coach won’t risk playing star fullback in final regulation match, but heat is on other sides to make play-offs
New South Wales Waratahs coach Michael Cheika said he would not risk star Wallaby fullback Israel Folau in their final regulation round Super Rugby match with Queensland this weekend.
Leading try scorer Folau will miss the Australian derby in Brisbane on Saturday due to a bruised thigh, with the Waratahs already assured of finishing top of the Super 15 standings and hosting a home semi-final.
"In another situation, maybe it would have been [worth the risk]," Cheika said.
I know there’s a lot of talk about winning and losing when Izzy’s playing and not playing, but I think we’ve lost just as many games when he’s playing as when he’s not
"But I'm more than confident with the team that we've got to play well up there."
Cam Crawford will replace Folau, with Wallabies lock Will Skelton to start instead of South African Jacques Potgieter in the only other change to the Waratahs side that thrashed the Otago Highlanders 44-16 last weekend.
"Of course, you lose a lot of attacking prowess, a lot of security under the high ball as well, and a strong defensive man," Cheika said of the missing Folau.
"I know there's a lot of talk about winning and losing when Izzy's playing and not playing, but I think we've lost just as many games when he's playing as when he's not playing."
Folau has scored 12 tries from 11 appearances this season and is three tries clear of Canterbury Crusaders winger Nemani Nadolo as Super Rugby's leading try scorer this year.