NSW superstar Israel Folau has the chance to become Super Rugby’s outright record try scorer in Newcastle this week as the Waratahs embark on an historic first foray out of Sydney.
Folau drew level with former All Black Doug Howlett on 59 tries during an emotion-charged round six clash against the defending champion Crusaders on Saturday night.
NSW snapped the Christchurch-based Crusaders’ 19-game winning streak, which dated back more than a year, with a 20-12 upset win.
It was the Crusaders’ first match since the terror attacks.
Early tries to lock Jed Holloway and winger Cam Clark put the Waratahs in a dominant position, before Folau sealed the match in the 74th minute.
NSW will now face the Sunwolves of Japan at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday 29 March.
Waratahs prop Harry Johnson-Holmes, who was born in Cowra but went to school and played rugby in Newcastle, said it would be a special fixture.
“I am proud to call Newcastle home and the prospect of being able to play in front of my family and friends is exciting,” he said.
“We are a team that represents the entire state and playing our home games in regions that represent our diverse supporter base is fantastic.”
The Waratahs-Sunwolves clash will kick-off at 7.45pm.
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