Waratahs and Wallabies fullback Israel Folau has sustained a throat injury and will miss Saturday's game against the Sharks.

Folau did not travel with the team to South Africa, and after visiting a specialist on Monday, it's been decided that he will remain in Australia until he has recovered.

Folau will revisit the specialist on Thursday, but at this stage he is also in doubt for the Waratahs' second tour match against the Stormers.

The Waratahs are expected to start Kurtley Beale at fullback this week, while Rob Horne could play in the centres.

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