Rugby Championship: Folau Fainga’a backs Wallabies to bounce back against Springboks
Folau Fainga’a believes Australia will return to the victory trail when they face South Africa in their Rugby Championship Test in Adelaide on August 27.
The Western Force-bound hooker missed the Wallabies’ humiliating 48-17 defeat to Argentina in San Juan last weekend as he was sidelined due to concussion symptoms, which emerged following a training session a couple of days before that game.
Ready to return to action
However, Fainga’a is optimistic he will clear the necessary protocols and be available for selection against the Springboks.
“It was just unfortunate I copped a head knock, didn’t see it coming,” Fainga’a told Rugby Australia’s official website.
“Myself and ‘Patty’ (Rob) Leota just head clashed at training and I came out second-best. I’m recovered well, had a gym yesterday Tuesday and a run this morning so I’m coming through good.
“I’m confident to be in the selection for the next game.”
Fainga’a feels a lack of experience cost a young Wallabies outfit, who were without veterans like captain Michael Hooper, Quade Cooper and Samu Kerevi.
“There was a bit of inexperience around the group but the bright side of it is other guys got the chance to step up,” he said.
“They got the taste of Test level footy, for Nossy (Lachlan Lonergan) and Billy (Pollard) to get a first start and cap (respectively) and for Pone as well, we were tested in our depth and unfortunately we weren’t good enough on that day.”
Despite that, Fainga’a is confident they can improve on their poor performance against Los Pumas when they take on South Africa.
He is also looking forward to going head-to-head with someone like Malcolm Marx and highlighted the importance of stopping the Boks’ pack in their tracks.
Big challenge awaits
“Everyone just needed to get away for the week and freshen up, we have another beast waiting for us,” said Fainga’a.
“We’ve seen what they’ve done in South Africa. New Zealand came back strong but we definitely know what they’re capable of and will be preparing well for it.
“You get excited because you test yourself against the best in your position and as a group and myself, it’s an exciting challenge ahead and excited for what’s ahead.”
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