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'I would hate to think Izzy is a liar because we know what happens to them'

(Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

A former club and country team-mate of Israel Folau has issued a stinging put-down following the full-back’s decision to challenge his attempted sacking by Rugby Australia.

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Now a pundit on Fox Sports, Drew Mitchell has all but called his former Australia and NSW Waratahs colleague a hypocrite, posting on Twitter Folau’s comments from last year saying he would walk away from the game if Rugby Australia found his position untenable.

The Sydney Morning Herald has reported how Mitchell highlighted a 2018 first-person piece in which Folau said he would walk away from his contract if Rugby Australia chief Raelene Castle believed the situation couldn’t be worked through. He then commented: “When words and actions aren’t aligned.

“The fact [RA] intend to terminate [Folau’s] contract would suggest it’s become untenable. I would hate to think Izzy is a liar because we know what happens to them…”

Mitchell’s tweet was posted in response to the development that Folau would challenge Rugby Australia’s attempts to sack him, via a code of conduct hearing in coming weeks.

Folau responded to RA’s breach of contract notice on Wednesday, sending the matter to a three-person hearing that is likely to be delayed by the Easter and Anzac Day public holidays until the week of April 29.

It was last Thursday when RA first announced its intention to sack the three-times John Eales Medal winner after Folau made public two religious posts attacking, among others, gay and transgender people.

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“Israel has responded formally today to request a code of conduct hearing which, under the circumstances, was not an unexpected outcome,” said Castle. “We will now work to confirm a date for the hearing as soon as possible.

“After the date for the hearing is confirmed, Rugby Australia and the NSW Rugby Union will make no further comment on the matter until the code of conduct process has concluded.”

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Hellhound 45 minutes ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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R
RedWarrior 1 hour ago
'They smelt it': Scott Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' vulnerability

I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.

Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.

Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.

They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.

That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.

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