Streaker’s invasion a real shock for Beale

KURTLEY Beale has had a surprise run-in with a streaker in front of more than 33,000 fans at the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

The Wallabies fullback said he was “spooked” by the surprise on-field dash by the Aussie fan, who has landed in hot water. Police reportedly had the young Australian man in custody after Australia’s 45-10 victory over Uruguay in Oita on Saturday.

The streaker attempted to high-five Beale, who rocked back on his heels stunned and clearly not interested.

He was nude but for a billowing kimono- style Wallabies supporters’ shirt that didn’t reach his buttocks.

When Fox Sports Rugby joked on Twitter that perhaps a “Missed tackle stat” should be recorded against him, Beale responded: “I’m afraid there wasn’t much to tackle ...” with a bulging eyes emoji.

With tickets upwards of $200 a shot for some seats, the streaker will be sad indeed if he is banned from the rest of the tournament for breaching the rules about not entering the field of play.

“He got me good, real good,” Beale said with a laugh post-match. “He caught me by surprise. I heard the crowd like cheering and I thought, ‘what’s going on?’

“All of a sudden I felt something come by my left shoulder. He spooked me.

“I don’t think he got caught. He went back into the stands and enjoyed the rest of the game.” FRANCE weathered a Tongan storm last night to reach the Cup quarter-finals with a nailbiting 23-21 victory over the Pacific islanders. Early tries from backs Virimi Vakatawa and Alivereti Raka helped give France a 17-0 lead, but Tonga crossed twice in seven minutes around the break.