Beale’s better for run abroad
KURTLEY Beale’s stint in England saw the Wallabies star develop into a “complete package”, according to long-time teammate Bernard Foley.
Beale has been outstanding for the Wallabies in the last month after returning from a season as the Premiership’s highest-paid player.
Injury restricted Beale to only 12 games but he still steered Wasps into the Premiership Final.
Wasps loved Beale’s attacking potency but Foley says his old mate – and thus the Wallabies – benefited equally from the season abroad, with the instinctive playmaker learning how to break down rivals using different styles.
“He has spoken about that, how he learned a lot about how they play up there and how they want to build pressure, how they start the game and try to play that territory-style and build it from the start of the game,” Foley said.
“That has definitely added to his mindset and allowed him to complete himself.
“He sees the game a bit different. Add that to the way he likes to attack and the whole experience was a real bonus I would say.”
He scored a sizzling try but Beale’s kicking game was just as influential in Perth as the Wallabies scrapped out a 23-all draw with the Springboks on a slippery night.
Beale handling defensive duties is front-line also evidence of a player whose game has grown, says Foley.
“He has developed a complete package,” he said.
“He is defending in the front line, making his tackles, and he is also taking control of the game. Having that experience overseas has allowed him to grow as a player and bring back a well-rounded game. That’s exactly what is needed in the heat of the battle.”
The return of a grown-up Beale has knock-on benefits for the Wallabies.
The 28-year-old’s presence frees up Foley, particularly in the field-kicking area.
And it also allows Israel Folau to stay wide and not – as he did in Beale’s absence – take on second-receiver duties.
“It just allows each of us a little bit more freedom to assess what’s happening in the game and to assess what’s needed,” Foley said.
Conditions and a wobbly set-piece curtailed the Wallabies attack in Perth but still emboldened by what unfolded in Dunedin, the Aussie side will again look to run the ball against Argentina in Canberra.