Folau confident of playing in quarter-final

Editor

Wallabies full-back Israel Folau is confident he will be fit to face Scotland in next Sunday's quarter-final after playing through the pain barrier in his team's 15-6 win over Wales.

Folau sustained an ankle injury in Australia's victory over England and was doubtful to play in the Pool A decider against Wales on Saturday.

He did start, however, but made little impact during the first half of that clash. He improved in the second half and made a try-saving tackle on George North as well as devastating break which almost sealed Australia's win with a try late in the match.

The ankle was still giving him problems late in the game and although Wallabies coach Michael Cheika wanted to take him off, there were no replacements left on the bench and Folau had to play through pain.

He admitted that his injury was "pretty sore" but is determined to take on Scotland in their play-off at Twickenham. 

"Yeah, it was pretty tough," said Folau after the victory against Wales.

"Me personally, I'm pretty sore, the ankle is a bit sore. 

"But besides that, it's pretty satisfying to have a win like that. I expected it was going to be sore, so I just have to manage it and hopefully it will be sweet. 

I will do everything I can to make sure I am right for the game. It's a big game… you don't want to miss those games. 

"I'm pretty confident I will get through."

Meanwhile, Cheika is optimistic loose forward David Pocock, who was replaced with a calf concern in the second half against Wales, will be fit to face Scotland.

“David’s got a bit of a bang on his calf,” said Cheika.

“It doesn’t seem too bad but at the end I brought him off because I wasn’t sure who to bring on or bring off when all that was happening so I had to make a decision to bring someone on and David (came off) because he was hobbling a bit.

“He seemed okay in the dressing room."