Israel Folau targeted on social media in wake of Wallabies victory

In the wake of the Wallabies record-breaking six-try effort against the All Blacks, it was never going to be long before thoughts turned to Israel Folau.

It was always going to happen.

The 47 points conceded by the All Blacks was the most in their history – against any opponent. Conclusion? They’re not a bad team without the controversial Folau.

Former Wallaby Peter FitzSimons – an outspoken critic of Folau – was quick to stick the boot in.

“There was a player missing … I can’t remember, what was his name? Is it Israel? What happened to that bloke?”

Twitter was even less forgiving.

https://twitter.com/vanOnselenP/status/1160156354234863616
https://twitter.com/KarinMary1/status/1160275853399343104
https://twitter.com/scottdools/status/1160320011602255873
https://twitter.com/outlawmate/status/1160515764601815047
https://twitter.com/BlakandBlack/status/1160492316764753920
https://twitter.com/deedeewhiteshep/status/1160406824559865856
https://twitter.com/ScottyFreak/status/1160339505670307840
https://twitter.com/Tukeke70/status/1160269973048029184
https://twitter.com/ChiefGoodfella/status/1160424178828238850
https://twitter.com/PrestonFFitzIII/status/1160422341890809856

However, some defended Folau amid the barrage of gleeful taunting.

https://twitter.com/johnny_mynrl/status/1160415380432543744
https://twitter.com/varminter/status/1160426152176967681
https://twitter.com/BobBlackie/status/1160450833919557632
https://twitter.com/unhappynow/status/1160424354569605120
https://twitter.com/JoeBrow67457841/status/1160445556482666496
https://twitter.com/about_rumors/status/1160428598081150976

When you make comments like that after ONE win you are struggling. Can't ever remember Folau saying he will be missed by the Wallabies or it will cost them wins?

— Proud OLD Soldier (@GrumpyOLSoldier) August 11, 2019

Indeed All Black Ben Smith called it before the match, suggesting Beale posed a bigger threat to the All Blacks than the former NRL and AFL star.

“He (Folau) is a world-class player … but Kurtley Beale has got that same X-factor, and he’s a quality player too,” Smith said.

“Kurtley Beale is pretty dangerous. He has a good sidestep.”

Press conference: England flanker Tom Curry ahead of his side’s game against Wales on Sunday. He says he’s confident that he’s done everything he could to earn a place in the side Eddie Jones takes to Japan, saying it would be a ‘boyhood dream’.