Former Wallabies fullback Israel Folau offered an interesting insight into why Rugby Union remains a more interesting sport than Rugby League.
Discussing the intricacies surrounding the XV-a-side game, the former NRL, AFL and Union standout was speaking on the Sporting News Australia podcast. Folau referenced the variety of different components that go into Union which simply don’t exist in league.
“I’ve played the game for a long time, and I still don’t really know the technical side of scrums, but I realise how important set pieces are, which is what they talk about with the scrum and line out.
“A lot of the attack is launched off the back of that, so if you lose a scrum or you get dominated in that area, you’re playing on the back foot, so that’s how important it is.
“I think people that understand the crux of the game, they know how important you know the scrums and the lineouts are. Whereas if you’re more of a fan of it and you don’t really understand the ins and outs of what the game is, you do think it’s boring because there’s a lot of stoppages, there are scrums that collapse, and they go on for three minutes.”
Away from the on-the-field aspect of the sport, Folau has been playing the past few years of his career in the Japanese league, referencing the various international leagues; Folau felt this was one of the key selling points for the code.
“I really enjoyed playing the game; I loved it, bro. I think it’s a great game, and it’s a global game, too, so it just brings a lot of opportunities.”
Building on his global game point, Folau explained that the different cultures of the top nations is what kept the sport fresh and intriguing.
“Rugby is played in a different style because every international team play a certain style.
“You watch the South African team; they build everything around their physicality because they’ve got so many big players to people they might play a boring style, but it works for them.”
When probed about who his favourite side to watch is, the Australian-born Tongan international had an interesting selection with Six Nations champions Ireland claiming the crown.
“They’re (Ireland) the best to watch. To me they play almost like a league style with their players, you know, running out the back out the back, so they’re one of the teams I enjoy watching.
“Then you’ve got England and the All Blacks; they’re always consistently up there with the way they play, and it’s something I like watching from afar.” Folau concluded.
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