Folau backed to handle extra attention from Reds Israel Folau looks set to make his Super Rugby debut this weekend
Reds coach Ewen McKenzie has openly admitted that they will target former NRL star Israel Folau but his coach has backed him to handle whatever the Reds can throw at him.
The Reds plan to target Folau as the Waratahs had a bye last week so the former NRL star has not yet played a game of Super Rugby and has only played in three trial matches.
McKenzie did however also admit that Folau, who is likely to start at fullback, was a definite dangerman for the Reds to contain.
"He'll play pretty much unencumbered, probably not dissimilar to (Wallabies winger) Digby - with Digby, we just let him play," he said.
"We've got plays and moves but Digby roams and that's why he touches the ball more than anybody else in every game and breaks more tackles. Players like that, you want them to touch the ball."
"Obviously when he touches the ball, he's pretty handy," McKenzie told AAP.
"He can step off both feet and he looks electric in that sense."
"We'll be making sure if he gets the ball, we won't give him much space. And we'll find other tactics to keep him busy."
Waratahs coach Michael Cheika is not concerned about the Reds plans and has backed Folau to handle anything the Reds can think of and says he has been surprised at how quickly his new signing has adapted to the game.
"The amount of times I've tried to target blokes and it's been a waste of time at the end of the day because you never get to what you want to do," Cheika said.
"I know Ewen is a very clever coach so if one man can find a way it'll be him."
"So we've just got to be ready to back him up if they put him under pressure and we'll obviously back him to get out of any holes he finds himself in.
"(He has surprised me) a little bit. Positionally he's worked himself out pretty well and he's looking for work."
"He's got good numbers in the games too so I've been really happy with the way he's gone so far."
Folau looks set to be named in the starting line up for the match at Suncorp as when Cheika was asked if his new star will start the match he said, "I'd say so yeah. "
"I wouldn't be trying to pull the wool over anyone's eyes by saying he wasn't going to be in contention to start the game.
"It just depends on our availability and combinations are important for me," Cheika explained to Sportal.
"If he does play, who I put him with at the back will be the key issue."
The Waratahs already have injury problems as outside centre Rob Horne has a hamstring which means that Adam Ashley-Cooper is likely to wear the number 13 jersey.
Berrick Barnes is almost certain miss this weekend and back-up flyhalf Bernard Foley took part in training on Monday and is in contention to start against the Reds.
If Foley and Barnes miss the match this weekend the Waratahs will have to start with rookie Ben Volavola but Cheika has backed him to handle the massive crowd at Suncorp Stadium.
"He's going to have to be, because he'll be up there in the jersey," Cheika said when asked if the 22-year-old is up to the challenge.
"One thing we've worked hard on is preparing everyone, it's not the name it's the jersey."
"That can be considered a bit corny sometimes but the reality is this is how it is.
"The 10 jersey has to play a certain role in the team and he's got his own talents outside of that, so if Ben does start in the 10 jersey I have no doubt he will do a great job."
