'If he continues to do it he has to go': FitzSimons' terse critique of Folau Wallabies selection

Peter FitzSimons has tentatively backed Israel Folau for his inclusion in the Wallabies squad but has warned the star may become “unmanageable” if he continues his homophobic public stance.

Speaking on Nine’s Sports Sunday, FitzSimons praised Folau on his stand-out performance for the Waratahs against the Highlanders on Saturday night but offered an ominous outlook for the star off the field.

“I have to say Israel Folau, again like last week, gee he was good,” FitzSimons said.

“Every time he touched the ball he was dangerous.

“But if he keeps going its unmanageable.

“If he continues to do it he has to go.”

The former Wallaby suggested a terse stance be adopted by Wallabies’ coach Michael Cheika and senior players toward Folau ahead of the upcoming Bledisloe Cup.

“What it needs is Michael Hooper and Michael Cheika to sit in the room with the Wallabies and say ‘what we need to do is…do our work, and shut the hell up’.”

“You just can’t do that if you’re in a serious employment situation.”

“It’s a duty of the rest of us to say shut the hell up.

Wests Tigers and marriage equality supporter Benji Marshall denounced Folau’s views on homosexuality however rejected FitzSimons calls to reprimand him.

“At the end of the day, I believe in what I believe in and i'm not going to judge you for what you believe in,” Marshall said.

“I don’t agree with Israel’s comments but I’m not going to vilify him for what he said.

The Wallabies next face Ireland on June 9 at Suncorp Stadium.