Recharged Beale a threat to win streak

ENGLAND rugby union coach Eddie Jones fears Australian star Kurtley Beale at Twickenham like no other Wallaby now the playmaker is on top of the issues that once tripped sporting superstars Johnathan Thurston and Wayne Rooney.

To understand the England coach’s raves, you need to realise Jones saw the Wallaby teetering on the precipice of a wasted career.

He urged that “rugby can- not toss Kurtley away” in that period when he needed a more caring environment to manage him through situations where alcohol and emotion were dangerous partners.

“Rooney was no angel at Manchester United just as Thurston, in rugby league, used to have issues yet they were managed smartly and both were very successful,” Jones said. “Playing makes Beale happy.”

Beale has been excellent in his nine-Test return this season and has taken to the senior player role with relish in the supportive environment that coach Michael Cheika and good friend Michael Hooper have created.

The spark that Beale will offer at Twickenham on Saturday is one key ingredient that was missing when the Wallabies tumbled to four losses to the English last year.

The 11-Test winning streak at its home fortress at Twickenham is under siege, and Jones is delighted.

“Kurtley is the most wonderfully gifted player. He does things other players don’t even dream of,” he said.

“He’s got that ability to make that big play.

“You can see his influence on the team ... they’re probably the form team in the world at the moment.”