Peter FitzSimons sledges Israel Folau after Wallabies thrash All Blacks
Was anyone revelling in the Wallabies’ shock win over New Zealand more than Peter FitzSimons?
The former Wallabies star absolutely lapped up the historic victory on Saturday night, before taking aim at Israel Folau on Sunday morning.
Appearing on Channel Nine’s Sports Sunday, FitzSimons couldn’t resist a dig at Folau.
"There was a player missing ... I can't remember, what was his name? Is it Israel? What happened to that bloke?" FitzSimons said, sparking laughter from the panel.
FitzSimons has been a staunch critic of Folau’s homophobic stance, leading the praise for Rugby Australia’s decision to sack him.
But FitzSimons wasn’t alone in pointing out that the Wallabies didn’t miss a beat without Folau.
Fans flocked to social media after the game to mock the sacked star.
The Wallabies really missed Folau tonight....
— Peter van Onselen (@vanOnselenP) August 10, 2019
Great Win! Folau who??? 🤷♂️ #BledisloeCup #Wallabies
— Kristian Vidal (@Novacastle) August 10, 2019
Looks like the Wallabies don’t need Israel Folau to win 🤣🤣🤣💀
— Nelson 🇼🇸 (@nelsonkaisa) August 10, 2019
Guess Israel Folau wasn't indispensable to the Wallabies after all. #AUSvNZ
— Tukeke (@Tukeke70) August 10, 2019
Wallabies defeat All Blacks by a record margin.
Who needs Izzy Folau? Folau gave the Wallabies a cringe and got in the way of success for the Wallabies. pic.twitter.com/npeDLHzOiG— Hardy World (@Garyured) August 10, 2019
Well clearly they would have lost. God has spoken. The wallabies will win without Folau because god doesn’t like Folau anymore.
— BigBoatBruce (@bigboatbruce) August 12, 2019
Folau leaves Wallabies. Wallabies finally beat the ABs.
Is that you, God?— Kaz M (@KarinMary1) August 10, 2019
Wallabies know job isn’t finished
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika says all his side have achieved is a "ticket to Auckland" despite stunning world champions New Zealand with an inspired 47-26 Test win in Perth.
The win opens the door for the Australians to bring home the Bledisloe Cup after 17 years away, but to do so they must crack their first win in Auckland since 1986.
"We are all pumped but all we've done is bought ourselves a ticket to Auckland, that's it," Cheika said.
"It's a great atmosphere and great for the players to get the win but in the bigger scheme of things that's what we've got ourselves - a ticket to go there and take the opportunity that we're going to get given there."
The Australians were given little chance of knocking off their arch-rivals, but delivered their best performance in years to make a statement with the World Cup starting next month.
"A few things went our way but I was really pleased for the lads," Cheika said.
"They've been working hard so it was a nice little reward for them."
The All Blacks were forced to play the entire second half with 14 men after lock Scott Barrett was sent off in the 40th minute by French referee Jerome Garces for making contact with the head of Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper with his elbow and shoulder.
While it was a tough call, Australia already had their tails up with a dominant first half and took a 16-12 lead into the break.
Cheika said the fact that they faced an undermanned All Blacks didn't take any gloss off the win.
"Not a chance," he said.
"When they've got 15 on the field it feels like 20 so when they've got 14 it still feels like 17 or 18 as they have so many threats.
"It's not like they weren't scoring tries."
with AAP