Even a Roy Keane-style reducer can’t stop Israel Folau from causing carnage

Rugby's resident alien Israel Folau was insanely good once again on Saturday, as he scored a hat-trick in the Waratahs 58-33 win away to the Cheetahs in Super Rugby. The former rugby league star has been so unstoppable in the 15-man game that defenders are turning to increasingly ridiculous ways to stop him from crossing the tryline. Rayno Benjamin was yellow-carded for this cynical trip on the fullback and he was lucky it wasn't a more severe punishment (1.55 in the video). http://www.youtube.com/watch?t=39&v=XPYaICrNfYA Benjamin's half-hearted attempt at a challenge is a long way away from matching the intensity of some of football's most famous teak-tough tackles. Ireland would have likely been beaten 5-0 by the Netherlands in 2001 had Keane showed Benjamin's level of commitment to the tackle. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42vAdQ_KATY With one round of Super Rugby games left to go, we already know who the six playoff teams will be. However, this weekend's encounters are still crucial because they will decide who gets the luxury of a bye into the semi-finals. Here is how the table looks at the moment. The Hurricanes have secured top spot but after that, there is a lot to play for this weekend.