Appeal likely on Folau ban

RUGBY Australia is set to appeal the one-match ban handed down to Wallabies and Waratahs star Israel Folau last night after he was cited for making contact in the air during last Saturday’s third Test against Ireland.

A World Rugby judicial hearing in Sydney handed down the suspension, which means Folau will miss tomorrow night’s Super Rugby clash with Melbourne at AAMI Park.

RA and Folau have made no official comment but they have indicated they are set to appeal the ban and hope to have the matter heard this morning or tomorrow.

The fullback was controversially cited following the Sydney Test after he made contact during an aerial contest in the ninth minute with Ireland skipper Peter O’Mahony, who was lifted by a teammate and landed awkwardly.

The citing commissioner, New Zealand’s Michael O’Leary, said Folau had “placed his left hand on O’Mahony’s chest”, which had pulled the flanker “over and he toppled to the ground.” Folau was also given a yellow card for a similar contest with O’Mahony in the 31st minute.

Earlier yesterday, Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson said the outcome of the hearing might have implications for the aerial contest in rugby. Gibson said the rules might need to be changed if Folau was banned.

“I believe if he does get some time, there’s some real implications around the law-making process going forward,” Gibson said.

“It really makes us look at the kick contest area and exactly how we can provide a law that provides for what is happening in terms of the collisions and guys landing on their heads.” QUEENSLAND’S Wallabies contingent is back on deck but injuries to Izack Rodda and Izaia Perese have forced coach Brad Thorn into a reshuffle for the Super Rugby clash with the Blues.

Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Taniela Tupou, Lukhan Tui and Samu Kerevi will start for the Reds at Eden Park tomorrow after their roles in Australia’s series against Ireland. It will be Tui’s first Super Rugby involvement since Round 9 and will be at blindside flanker, where he played for the Wallabies in their 20-16 defeat on Saturday in Sydney.

Back-rower Caleb Timu will come off the bench after recovering from the ankle issue that kept him out of the third Test.