Folau to make first appearance since controversial comments

Waratahs star fullback Israel Folau is set to play his first Super Rugby game since round seven, where he came off the field with a hamstring injury.

Despite being out with injury, Folau has still grabbed headlines after making a string of controversial comments on social media, including the declaration that gay people are destined for ‘HELL’.

Folau’s inclusion is one of three changes to Daryl Gibson’s starting side, who will be looking to end Australia’s 36-match drought against New Zealand competition.

Gibson has paired recent re-signing Will Miller with captain Michael Hooper at openside, while Michael Wells packs down at No. 8.

Lalakai Foketi joins Kurtley Beale in the centres, while winger Cam Clark is set to make his first start of the year.

Wallabies halfback Nick Phipps appears among the reserves just days after it was revealed he dressed as a cow and urinated on a bar during his stag do.

“I’ve opted in the loose forwards to go with speed with Will Miller and Michael Hooper,” Gibson said.

“In the backline, I’ve given some opportunities to Lalakai Foketi at 13 and to Cam Clark, who will make his first start of the 2018 season. This means that Israel (Folau) will start at fullback.”

The 29-year-old Folau’s selection in the match-day 23, alongside Clark, means Bryce Hegarty and Curtis Rona will make their impacts off the bench in round 12.

“I’m pleased to see the team have done so well without him (Folau) and it’s great to have him back. He brings a lot in terms of a different attacking dimension to us and that four weeks in which he’s been away has been a good opportunity for him to get his body right and get his mind back into footy.”

“It’s around finding the best mix and that’s what I felt was right for this game.”

“We’re still working out how that happened (against the Lions), still learning lessons from it and we’re still seething from it. We want to make sure we respond well to that and we’ll get that opportunity this weekend.”

WARATAHS

1. Tom Robertson, 2. Damien Fitzpatrick, 3. Sekope Kepu, 4. Ned Hanigan, 5. Rob Simmons, 6. Will Miller, 7. Michael Hooper (C), 8. Michael Wells, 9. Jake Gordon, 10. Bernard Foley (VC), 11. Taqele Naiyaravoro, 12. Kurtley Beale, 13. Lalakai Foketi, 14. Cam Clark, 15. Israel Folau.
Reserves: 16. Hugh Roach, 17. Harry Johnson-Holmes, 18. Paddy Ryan, 19. Tom Staniforth, 20. Jed Holloway, 21. Nick Phipps, 22. Curtis Rona, 23. Bryce Hegarty.

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