Israel Folau's controversial comments not causing issues within Wallabies camp

Israel Folau's polarising anti-gay views have been talked over with his senior Wallabies team-mates.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika says Israel Folau and David Pocock have had ongoing dialogue about the former's controversial views on homosexuality and believes the pair can have "more of a connection" by discussing their contrasting opinions.
Folau and Pocock are certainties to be named in Cheika's Wallabies squad next Wednesday for a three-test series against Ireland starting in Brisbane on June 9.
Last month, former England centre Will Greenwood questioned how Folau and Pocock would get along in the wake of the Australian fullback's comment on Instagram that god's plan for gay people was: "HELL".
"[Pocock] is massively supportive of gay marriage, of the LGBT community, and I know how strong he is on his principles," Greenwood said. "So you wouldn't be surprised if David Pocock says: 'I will not line up alongside this player in my team'."
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Pocock has been a staunch advocate of marriage equality and has not spoken publicly about Folau's controversial stance that is tied to religious beliefs.
Cheika confirmed on Wednesday his two star players had spoken about the issue at a meeting of senior Wallabies players on May 7 at Sanctuary Cove and will continue to try to and understand things from the other's perspective.

David Pocock has been a staunch advocate of marriage equality but has not spoken publicly about Israel Folau.
"They were together talking and they've been talking and communicating since the camp," Cheika said. "We were all together in the camp for the couple of days we were there.
"Even if we don't all agree, you can still all get on. If anything, it allows them to have more of a connection in the fact that they can discuss whatever they're talking about and getting on with it … that's what they've been able to do."
Despite all the headlines and external noise surrounding the Folau issue, Cheika reiterated his view the national side would not be affected and that deep down the 62-test star wouldn't want to be a distraction to the group.
"I don't believe it's going to be an ongoing issue because I don't believe it's going to be ongoing," Cheika said. "He's definitely going to post stuff [in the future], isn't that what that [social media] is for? But the right stuff, stuff he believes in.
"We've spoken. We speak about that [issue], we speak about footy, speak about everything.
"Maybe not everything I'm saying is for other people's satisfaction. It's for me as the coach to get clarity on what's happening inside the team environment.
With great love i wanted to share this video in the hope that people watch it and think about it. Jesus is coming back soon and he wants us to turn to him through repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38) please don't harden your heart https://t.co/PtDoPCQDco
— Israel Folau (@IzzyFolau) May 7, 2018
"He doesn't want to create that [distraction]. He wants to play the footy that he's been playing the last few weeks, which has been awesome."
Since his Instagram comment went viral, Folau has posted another five photos with religious messages.
Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle said a fortnight ago Folau was "walking the line" after he tweeted out a video link of an evangelist Christian who warns of "sexual perversions beyond description".
Cheika was uncomfortable when quizzed on the matter and there is an argument he should not have to be an authoritative voice on the matter because he is nothing more than a rugby coach.
I see unlike Australia, Israel Folau isn't moving with the times pic.twitter.com/sOyvlR7wh5
— Graham Love (@GLove39) April 3, 2018
However, Cheika stressed that rugby was an inclusive sport.
"With all this debate going on and all the things have been said, rugby is a game where everyone can play and everyone can get along," Cheika said. "Whether you are from different countries or from different places in Australia or different demographics, different religions, different genders, everyone can play and get along.
"Not everyone agrees with each other. But when we get out there in the jersey together, we all get along and play because that's what we want to do; play footy."
- SMH
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