Folau in rush for Test date
ISRAEL Folau is pushing to prove his fitness for a surprise Test return at Suncorp Stadium, which will be his home as a Wallaby but not in Super Rugby.
The game-changing fullback yesterday ran for the first time on his damaged left ankle since a far graver timeline of recovery was predicted just two weeks ago.
When Folau limped off against the All Blacks in Sydney, it looked like the twisted ankle might sideline him for a month or more.
Rather than worrying ligament damage, Folau has been treated for a muscle tear and is a 50-50 chance of being fit to face South Africa in Brisbane next Saturday night.
If that is too rushed, he shapes as a certainty to return against Argentina on the Gold Coast on September 15.
It’s positive news for the Wallabies when they need all their weapons to make a statement this month that they are better than two second half beltings from the All Blacks.
Folau has always been the most unrushed person about finalising his contracts.
The volume keeps growing that he’s locked into re-signing for three more years with Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs.
The additional jigsaw piece that fits wife Maria for a contract with the Sydney-based Giants in netball means a hopeful bid to woo him to the Queensland Reds looks to have fizzled.
Prop Taniela Tupou (hamstring) is aiming at the Springboks Test now he has had time to mend after missing the two Tests against the Kiwis.
Australian women’s sevens trump Emilee Cherry has resigned for another two years without a serious glance at rugby league’s new competition.
“I’m very excited to lock myself in until 2020 with sevens and keep a special group of girls together,” the 2016 Rio Olympics gold medallist said.
“There’s been a lot of chat from the media and other people asking about the NRL competition.
“I’m from league territory in Roma but I haven’t even wavered.
“What rugby sevens offers with the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and a full-time contract to train and play is something no other footy code can compare with.”
Fellow Rio gold medallist Evania Pelite has also resigned to be part of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics bid.
“With a new coaching staff and girls like Demi Hayes, Dom du Toit and Yasmin Meakes pushing through with their performances, the squad is evolving,” Cherry said.
Ankle surgery has grounded Cherry, 25, who is unlikely to be ready for the new World Series opener in Colorado on October 20-21.