Waratahs go so-so against Crusaders while Israel Folau looks so special Israel Folau in action for NSW against the Crusaders. EIGHTY minutes against the Crusaders is as good a gauge of potential as you'll get in world rugby. So after a typically tough trial against the Kiwi powerhouse last night, it's safe to announce the results on the standard February question about the Waratahs: can we believe the hype? Based on the Crusaders' narrow win at Allianz Stadium, the answer is both a firm yes and a middling maybe. As far as hype about Israel Folau is concerned, believe away. Get on the bandwagon. In only his third match of senior rugby, Folau showed he is absolutely the real deal with a handful of powerful runs that not only had the crowd on their feet, but seasoned Crusaders defenders grasping thin air. A fair proportion of a sizeable crowd turned up to watch Folau and he didn't disappoint. Before many fashionably late fans had even sat down, Folau returned a kick in the first minute and with a jink, left two Crusaders in his dust. It wasn't a one-off. More than a few times the ball was tossed wide to Folau, and after planting a big right foot step, the AFL convert found enough space to get through or at least drag himself and defenders over the gainline. No doubt hidden among the grinning fans were grinning Waratahs officials who just six months ago would have struggled to give away corporate boxes to Tahs games. On the back of Izzy-mania, their first home game against the Rebels in two weeks time may just prove a prized ticket. Also in the stands, Robbie Deans wouldn't have been spied grinning but he may have texted his logistic man to get Folau's jersey measurements for later in the year. Too soon? Dial it back? Perhaps, but where other cross-code converts have looked at sea for as long as six months, Folau looked as comfortable as an old shoe. Of the many, many mistakes made by the Tahs in a rusty performance, Folau contributed very few. And the hype about the new Waratahs era under Michael Cheika? Signs were certainly promising, with a willingness to keep the ball alive in the tackle and make inroads via a series of off-loads. So too a desire to use the width of the field, and get the ball into the hands of keen runners like Tom Kingston, Adam Ashley-Cooper and Folau. After many seasons as an outcast at the SFS, risk was embraced back in the fold. But whether it be down to rust or the typically strong Crusaders defence, the Tahs of old resurfaced occasionally as they struggled to be clinical, with a ton of dropped ball and some lazy breakdown turnovers ruining momentum. Tightening up in the second half, though the Waratahs hung in and built better pressure. Two tries were bagged from close-range, courtesy of Lopeti Timani and Paddy Ryan. It was a promising sign that when needed, the NSW engine room can deliver. Ultimately, the result came down to differing trial philosophies; NSW didn't kick penalty goals, the Crusaders did, and when Kiwi kicker Tom Taylor knocked over the match-winner late in the game, the dreaded Sydney booing re-emerged. Much to the relief of the grinning officials, the jeers were aimed at the visitors this time. These days, in Tah-land, that qualifies as a fair start.