Israel Folau's utility value a huge bonus, says Waratahs backs coach

Israel Folau could be placed at wing or fullback this weekend against the Crusaders in Chriustchurch.
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Israel Folau could be placed at wing or fullback this weekend against the Crusaders in Chriustchurch.

Be it wing or fullback, Israel Folau will play in the best spot for the Waratahs against the Crusaders this weekend, says backs coach Chris Malone.

Folau has predominantly been at fullback for 2018, but has played one match on the wing before injuring his hamstring against the Brumbies, and played 20 minutes on the edge against the Blues.

​Folau's wife and Silver Fern netballer, Maria Folau, tweeted some dissatisfaction over his switch to the wing, during the match on Saturday night.

Malone told rugby.com.au he hadn't seen the tweet, but only had praise for Folau's performance in his return from injury.

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"That's the beauty of not being on social media," he said.

"I don't have to worry about that.

"Israel coming back after a month out, he was really good on Saturday night, created a lot for us, brought the ball back really well and he'll only be better for that outing and we'll look for him to create more this week."

​Folau played the final 20 minutes on the wing at Brookvale Oval, after starting at fullback, and Malone said wherever he played he had a freedom to slot in how he wanted.

"Gibbo [coach Daryl Gibson] and I have both had countless conversations with Iz and he'll do anything for the team," Malone told rugby.com.au.

"He played 60 minutes of the game at fullback and 20 minutes on the wing and he knows he's going to offer a lot for the team wherever he is on the field and we give him licence to play.

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"He was involved a lot for a guy that had just come back from injury, he had a really good game.

 - Stuff

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