5 Apr 2014

Folau ruled out for Waratahs

6:05 am on 5 April 2014

The Waratahs fullback Israel Folau has been ruled out of their Super Rugby clash against the Stormers in Cape Town.

Folau, who has scored eight tries in four matches this season, sustained a throat injury against the Melbourne Rebels two weeks ago and was sorely missed by the Waratahs in last week's thrashing by the Sharks in Durban.

The coach Michael Cheika has shifted Wallabies playmaker Kurtley Beale from inside centre to fullback in a bid to galvanise a backline that failed to fire a shot in Durban.

Number eight Wycliff Palu has also been ruled out with an ankle injury. Captain Dave Dennis shifts to number eight, with Jacques Potgieter shifting from the second row to blindside flanker.

The Waratahs are 3-2 for the season and hope to become the first Super Rugby side from Australia or New Zealand to win in South Africa when they take on the Stormers.