Israel Folau: World Cup result means nothing against England
ESPN Staff
May 4, 2016
© AFP PHOTO / ADRIAN DENNIS

Australia fullback Israel Folau believes the past will count for nothing when England come knocking in June.

The Wallabies dumped England out of their home World Cup in the last encounter between the two rivals, with Michael Cheika's men eventually reaching the final playing a thrilling brand of rugby.

England are set to play a three-Test series against the Australians this summer and Folau, who struggled with injury during the World Cup, warned his countrymen against taking the tourists for granted.

"We can take a lot of confidence from what the team built upon last year but once we roll into camp it's starting back over again," Folau told reporters in Sydney on Wednesday at the unveiling of the new Wallabies jersey.

"Consistency's a big thing. Last year's all done and dusted now. But we want to continue what we've started. Cheika's done a great job with the team so far and the boys are all buying in really well."

Cheika will be putting his wits against another fiery Australian in Eddie Jones, the England head coach with whom he enjoyed time as a player for the renowned Sydney club Randwick decades ago.

The pair are close friends off the field but Folau backed his coach Cheika to leave any personal relationships at the stadium gates when the two nations meet in the series-opener in Brisbane on June 11.

"Knowing Cheik, he'll put aside all that stuff and he's very passionate guy," Folau added. "He doesn't need any motivation at all. He loves the game and that's enough for him. We can certainly see that by the way he's coached the last couple of seasons."

© ESPN Staff

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