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Israel Folau's 'end times' tweet garnered some brilliant responses on Twitter
By Ian Cameron
We’re in the ‘end times’ people, so you better get your s*** together.
That – broadly speaking – is the message that Wallaby Israel Folau sent out on Twitter a few hours before the Waratahs looked to take on the Lions in their Super Rugby semi-final in Johannasburg yesterday.
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While the Waratahs went on to lose 44-26 at Ellis Park, the tweet took on a life of its own, long after Folau’s side’s final chances had themselves met their own end times.
To be precise, Folau Tweeted: “We’re in the end times, repent and turn to the Lord Jesus Christ before it’s too late.”
We're in the end times, repent and turn to the Lord Jesus Christ before it's too late.
— Israel Folau (@IzzyFolau) July 27, 2018
No stranger to Twitter controversy, Folau’s Tweet garnered a massive – if mixed – response from his 121,000 followers and a legion of mischief makers who may or may not actually follow the star fullback.
While many were supportive of his message, others saw scope for humour in the ominous Tweet.
rugby4all.jp suggested: “Wouldn’t call playing the @LionsRugbyCo end times, end of season and competition maybe. Stay positive.”
https://twitter.com/rugby4all_jp/status/1023020335673700352
Jembo Wendt was more concerned with a bet he had placed: “Lord Jesus will give me $1300 via Sportsbet if you win tonight in Jo’berg.”
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Lord Jesus will give me $1300 via Sportsbet if you win tonight in Jo’berg
— Jembo Wendt (@jemmyjembo) July 27, 2018
One poster suggested Folau’s Lamborghini ownership might have been worth some reflection with the end approaching.
Repent owning your Lambo perhaps…
— Hamish McLean (@Mish_NZ) July 28, 2018
Sue questioned whether she should bother with a big shop considering armagedden is apparently upon us.
Hi Izzy, can you let me know what day this is going to happen as I don't want to do a big shop and waste time carrying it. I have a bad back you know. Thanks for sharing #OhMyGod
— NZ Sue ?? (@absoABcrazy) July 28, 2018
Flying Cabbage attempted to ease Folau’s apparent anxiety, suggesting Welsh star George North could potentially save him, should Jesus decide not to.
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George North will save you! pic.twitter.com/eqB81CAegf
— Willie M (@flying_cabbage) July 28, 2018
A Reds supporter noted his disappointment at his side’s Super Rugby performance with the end nearing.
end of season times & do I repent for supporting the Reds, Jesus H Christ!
— RapidUnscheduledDisassembler (@WMDsearcher) July 28, 2018
Many queried the point of paying upcoming bills, if an apocalypse really was on the horizon.
https://twitter.com/SamanthaJane82/status/1023476046924996608
One thing that could be in a state of ‘end times’ is his career at Waratahs. Folau is yet to sign contract but is widely expected to stay in Australian Rugby for at least another year.
If he does stay, he could well be lining out for Australia in the centre. With injuries likely keeping midfield staples Samu Kerevi and Tevita Kuridrani out for the Rugby Championship, Folau has emerged as a candidate to fill in, alongside Waratahs teammate Curtis Rona and Rebels utility Reece Hodge.
Folau has is yet to start for the Wallabies in the No 13 jersey, but has lined up there 16 times for the Waratahs.
“It’s no secret that I’ve preferred [Folau] at 15, but he’s played there and we’ll just take a look and see the guys who have played on the wing, we’ll see where they’re at,” Cheika told reporters this week.
Armegedden for Folau’s fullback game maybe.
