The Blues don't expect anything other than Israel Folau's A‑game when the under‑siege Wallaby makes his return to Super Rugby.
All eyes will be on Folau at Sydney's Brookvale Oval this afternoon when the Waratahs fullback makes his first appearance since sparking a tsunami of controversy following anti‑homosexuality comments online.
However, Blues coach Tana Umaga said if Folau is feeling the heat, it won't translate into a shaky return to the field.
Umaga, a former All Blacks captain, believes top‑flight players trying to cope with off‑field issues will often use playing rugby as a form of release.
The Blues will face the Waratahs at 9.45 tonight while the Hurricanes will take on the Lions at 7.35pm.
Tomorrow the Stormers will play the Bulls at 1.05am while the Sharks will face the Highlanders at 3.15am.
Meanwhile in matches played last night, the Crusaders thrashed the Rebels 55-10 while the Jaguares beat the Chiefs 23-19.
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