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The Matt Giteau post on Folau that nearly everyone can agree on

Matt Giteau and Israel Folau
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Australian centurion Matt Giteau has taken to social media to share his views regarding what has happened in the world of rugby over the past month.

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In light of Israel Folau’s sacking by Rugby Australia over an Instagram post in which he said “Hell awaits you. Repent. Jesus Saves” to various groups in society, the topic of religious beliefs and rugby has been fiercely debated.

The matter was brought into sharper focus in the northern hemisphere after England’s Billy Vunipola defended liking Folau’s post, something that has subsequently seen him get booed when playing.

However, the matter has raged on in recent days, with a number of Pacific Island players, who share Folau’s Christian beliefs, defending themselves and standing up for what they believe in. The Reds and Australia hooker has been particularly vocal.

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However, the 103-cap Wallaby has shared a post on social media saying “I wish we talked more about our great game & player performances rather than personal beliefs.” He went on to say that he played in many diverse teams which “all got along great as we respected each individual’s way of living.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw83OK6HVRo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Giteau has obviously shared the sentiments of many other players, with a host of players past and present commenting and liking his post.

Of course, one of the main dangers that has been seen over the past weeks is liking a player’s post, shown by those that have come under heavy criticism for accidentally liking Folau’s post. However, judging by the huge number of players that have liked this post, it is fair to say that they are in agreement with him. These names include Quade Cooper, Ma’a Nonu, Maro Itoje, as well as Vunipola and Tupou themselves, and many more.

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With Folau facing a code of conduct hearing on the fourth of May, it is unlikely that this story will die down soon, but Giteau has perhaps shared the thoughts that many players, and perhaps fans are thinking currently.

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Phantom 34 minutes ago
Nations Championship: 'The data shows the north has finally caught up with the south'

Fact: the gap between the North and the South has narrowed considerably - that I get. However, determining that only selecting only Home grown players or playing in the home country is is the optimal strategy is a bit of a toss up and highly reliant on the economies of the home union. I do understand that England and to a lesser degree Ireland selects home based only. The top 14 is a massive threat to their domestic product. France would probably not be affected (the money is at home). Fiji, Argentina, Samoa, Italy and you could even argue Scotland have only benefitted from this. Their players either go overseas to learn at higher levels (Fiji, Samoa, Argentina) or players coming into their leagues to strengthen the home product and their National teams (Scotland, Italy, Japan).

South Africa used to limit its selection to the home based players, but the reality of a weak currency vs what players could earn oversees meant that you lost access to your best players at some stage of their careers, with very few exceptions. Kolbe left SA as he was considered too small for International Rugby (yes coaches/selectors view), but ironically in France he forced selectors to notice his endeavors and select him. He is only reaching 50 caps now despite being north of 30 - granted rotation and the odd injury also played a role, but for the most part it is having debuted or becoming a regular so late.



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