How Beale became a defensive hard nut

COMPETITION from within the Australian ranks rather than from the opposition is behind Kurtley Beale’s evolution as a Wallabies enforcer.

Always a gifted attacker known for his footwork and creativity, Beale has added defensive hard nut to his list of talents.

His crunching hit on Ireland halfback Conor Murray early in the Wallabies’ Test win in Brisbane to open the series sent a message to his teammates and rivals about his mindset.

And Beale says the Six Nations champions can expect more of the same from the Wallabies in the second Test at Melbourne’s AAMI Park on Saturday night.

“There’s a lot of talent in the No.12 jersey at the moment and they’re the guys who keep pushing me every day and it’s creating healthy competition,” Beale said.

“Playing in 12 requires a lot of defence up front and it’s been a work-on throughout my career but it’s great I’m able to transfer that work into game situations.”

Beale said the Wallabies approached the series with the plan to beat the physical Irish at their own game.

“That’s one of their main strengths – to physically dominate you in the set piece and in their defence – and we matched that.”

Ireland’s key playmaker Johnny Sexton started the Brisbane Test on the bench but will be calling the shots in Melbourne with the series on the line.