Cheika rates new attacking combo

WALLABIES boss Michael Cheika will continue with his new Kurtley Beale- Matt Toomua midfield against Argentina on the Gold Coast on Saturday night after what he rated a promising lift- off in some difficult circumstances.

Cheika’s appraisal after the gritty 23- 18 victory over South Africa at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night was significant, because he is determined to find out if the new combination can provide an overall performance lift for his team.

Against the Boks, Toomua’s starch as a defender was critical three times in the tense final minutes when the South Africans were hard on attack and with chances to steal a win.

Taking on that tackling role at inside centre is a big plus for the Wallabies, but the twin ball- playing dimension wasn’t really in sync in the Test.

Beale was back to fullback by then, but his willingness to take on the line with his running was obvious, even if he didn’t find an opening.

“I thought they did well and when Bernard ( Foley) came on, the triangle, the three of them, managed really well,” Cheika said. “They had some nice plays set up that just didn’t come off, but that’s their first week together.”

Cheika indicated the pair would get the chance to build again against the Pumas, who were beaten 46- 24 by the All Blacks in Nelson on Saturday.

Cheika’s overall vibe that the Wallabies had improved was important, but he conceded that polish was still lacking. “We had double digit chances and couldn’t get over the stripe. Part of that was probably being too eager, but I really liked the intensity to it,” Cheika said.

Improving that precision is huge. The Wallabies will likely get back Israel Folau ( ankle) and Adam Coleman for this Test, while David Pocock ( neck) is still battling.