NSW Waratahs superstar Israel Folau has undergone ankle scans and is being rested from training this week but is in no doubt to return after the club’s weekend Super Rugby bye.
Folau rolled his ankle in Saturday night’s record win over the Queensland Reds at ANZ Stadium, where he scored two tries and was also sin-binned in an eventful match.
He underwent scans on Monday with the results coming up all clear and coach Michael Cheika says he’ll be fit to take on the Brumbies in their key Australian Conference match-up on Saturday week.
Cheika also hopes captain Dave Dennis will be fit to return from his knee injury after missing the Reds match.
Folau has scored five tries in two matches and the Waratahs want to ensure they don’t overwork their key man.
The 24-year-old was brought from the field with 11 minutes left against the Reds and will be given a reduced workload in the bye week – not training with the group on Tuesday.
“He’s fine it was all precautionary,” said Cheika.
“We’ll probably give him a couple of days off although he always likes to train.
“I saw him put his strapping on (Tuesday morning) but if he comes down I’ll tell him he’s not allowed.
“He’s had a short (off season) recovery time like a lot of these guys from (Wallabies Spring Tour) and where we can take a few little breaks we’ll let them have it.”
Cheika is hopeful Dennis can return, with the Waratahs line-out struggling in his absence against the Reds.
“They’re telling me he’s recovering well and he’s looking good,” he said.
“He starts running again in the next day or two and I hope he’ll be available.”