Wallabies aim to call in more air strikes

KURTLEY Beale has promised the Wallabies will continue their aerial bombardment of Ireland in Saturday’s second rugby Test in Melbourne.

The Wallabies peppered the visitors with high balls, a ploy designed to benefit from expert leapers Israel Folau and Dane Haylett-Petty, as they claimed a 18-9 first Test win in Brisbane on Saturday.

Many kicks missed their mark but the tactic worked in Australia’s favour both in attack and out of defence as Folau in particular dominated in the air, sometimes with clean two-handed catches.

Centre Beale, who was responsible for much of the tactical kicking, said another week of training together would help the Wallabies further exploit what they see as a clear way through Ireland’s world-class defence.

“The Irish are one the best defensive teams in the world, so for us to break that and exit well after points was crucial,” he said. “The intention of those kicks was good. Sometimes the execution was a bit inconsistent but using Izzy and Dane — two of the best in the world at aerial catching — is good to use as a strength and release pressure.”

The Wallabies kept their opponents try-less, with Beale among the many to put on some big hits and compete with Ireland’s imposing pack.

“You’ve kind of got to step out of your skin a bit and I think everyone did that,” Beale said of his defensive improvements. “That needs to be continued because the Irish will come back hungrier and keen, we’ll be aware of that.”