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Beale worried about Folau's 'head space'
By Peter Hanson
Kurtley Beale is concerned about Israel Folau's "head space" as the row over his anti-LGBT comments on social media heads towards a resolution.
Folau was issued a breach notice by Rugby Australia (RA) last week in the aftermath of a controversial anti-homosexual post.
The Wallabies utility back, who was also stood down by Super Rugby side Waratahs, is contesting the notice, and a code of conduct hearing to determine whether RA's intent to terminate Folau's contract can be upheld will take place on May 4.
Australia and Waratahs team-mate Beale expressed concern but says the disciplinary proceedings must be allowed to run their course.
"There's obviously a bit of process going on now," he said ahead of the Tahs' Super Rugby clash against the Sharks on Saturday.
"Obviously it goes through the code of conduct [hearing].
"I guess as a mate you just worry about his head space and you hope that he's okay there. Our full focus shifts now to the game on the weekend for us as a team.
"As a squad, we did that last week and it's important that we continue that and keep building on the progress that we had last week.
"So it is what it is and we've just got to let the process kind of take over now."
Folau was warned over his conduct by RA last year after stating homosexuals would go to "hell" unless they "repent their sins and turn to God".
The 30-year-old again put forward his interpretation of his devout Christianity this month after the Tasmanian Parliament passed legislation to make gender optional on birth certificates and allow people aged 16 and older to legally change gender without parental consent.
On Instagram, Folau posted an image stating: "Warning: Drunks, Homosexuals, Adulterers, Liars, Fornicators, Thieves, Atheists, Idolaters – Hell awaits you. Repent. Only Jesus Saves."
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The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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