That’s the question not even the Waratahs have the answer to right now, as the Wallaby star waits to be medically cleared for Saturday’s Vodacom Super Rugby game.

Folau was controversially pulled from the clash with the Western Force on Saturday after the Australian Rugby Union medical staff overruled the Waratahs’ decision to put him on the park after a throat Cartilage injury.

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Waratahs coach Michael Cheika was frustrated when told Folau was being withdrawn, and went on to accuse the ARU of breaking medical protocol by rulling him out.

Folau told the Sydney Morning Herald he had telephoned ARU boss Bill Pulver after being told on Friday he could not play.

‘‘I spoke to Bill on Friday night and pretty much expressed how I really felt about the whole situation, the whole process,’’ he said. ‘‘Last week I was really frustrated but this week I won’t waste too much energy on thinking about it or trying to force it. If I play, I play, that’s good. If I don’t, I’ll just let it go.’’

‘‘I don’t know, it could be six weeks, the specialists have all said different timings,’’ he said.

‘‘Two of them said I could have played last week and another one said I had to wait another six weeks. For me as a player it’s frustrating because it’s not black and white, I just want a definitive answer so I can set my timing and planning.

“It’s frustrating for everyone, including the coaching staff. I just want to get back as quick as I can and play footy with the boys. It was a disappointing result on the weekend but I’m sure the boys will be up for it this week.’’

Cheika made no bones about it, telling the newspaper he would play Folau if given the go-ahead.

“I have no idea … We just have to play it out and see what happens,” Cheika said.

“If he was all right for us this week he is all right for us next week, but it’s up to them really, at this stage, how long they want to keep him out.”

Cheika said he would not try to influence ARU officials about Folau.

“I’m not going to do anything, it’s not up to me, I have to get ready for the next game, that’s what I’m going to do,” he said.

“I didn’t make it happen, someone else made it happen, that’s the reality, so I’m just going to get ready for the Bulls game.”

Earlier the ARU’s chief medical officer Dr Warren McDonald, defended his decision.

“The decision to rest Israel Folau from last night’s game was based on specialist medical opinion and a number of conversations involving NSW Waratahs, Wallabies and external specialists before I made the final decision,” Dr McDonald told AAP.

“The decision-making process takes into account all factors around an injury, including the risk of re-injury, further serious complications and permanent damage. We continue to be comfortable with our decision, which was centred on player welfare.

“Israel will be reviewed by further specialists in coming days and decisions will be made after those appointments about the next steps in his management.”

But for now the biggest worry for the Bulls is their own play and not whoever the opposition chooses, and especially after two straight losses on tour the Bulls need to ensure they get a victory on Saturday in Sydney.