Australian Rugby - Wallabies v British & Irish Lions
Israel Folau shocked by Wallabies selection
May 20, 2013
"It's all a bit surreal," Israel Folau says
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Players/Officials: Israel Folau

Israel Folau says he is still stunned by his selection in the Wallabies squad to take on the touring British and Irish Lions and he's determined to press for a starting role.

Rugby league convert Folau was named in Robbie Deans' 25-man squad after just 11 Super Rugby games in his new code for New South Wales Waratahs.

The 24-year-old former rugby league international said on Monday he was still coming to terms with his call-up. "It's all a bit surreal," Folau said. "When I got that call [from Deans] I just froze. I'm on a high still. It's very exciting for me and my family and I'm just stoked to be a part of it. It wasn't something I expected, especially after playing a handful of games. Hopefully I can go on now and do well."

Folau said he still had a lot of work to do to force his way into the Wallabies' starting line-up for the first Test in Brisbane on June 22. "I'm not guaranteed a starting position and so I just have to try and play consistent rugby until we get into camp," he said. "I'm always confident in myself but I still have a lot to work on to try and get into the starting line-up. Being a part of this big campaign is certainly very exciting."

Israel Folau featured prominently as the Waratahs defeated the Brumbies on Saturday (video available only in Australia)
© AAP

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