Beale takes over No15 from Folau
allow him that freedom to play the way he wants to play.’’
Folau is facing the sack by Rugby Australia and NSW Rugby after being charged with a high-level code of conduct breach over controversial social media posts.
‘‘I certainly support any player that takes up their right (to a code of conduct hearing) and the code of conduct is what it is,’’ Gibson said.
If Beale excels consistently at fullback he will likely vie with Rebels star Dane Haylett-Petty for the Wallabies No.15 jersey, with Brumbies speedster Tom Bank another contender.
Gibson admitted the Folau saga was a significant distraction in the past week but believed his players were ready to perform well.
‘‘On-field is a real sanctuary for the players and what I have seen from Monday and Tuesday (training sessions) is a release of a lot of energy that has been built up and some really good quality stuff,’’ Gibson said.
With Beale at fullback, veteran pair Karmichael Hunt and Adam Ashley-Cooper remain in the centres.
Jed Holloway returns at lock for the injured Ned Hanigan and captain Michael Hooper returns at openside flanker after being rested for the last-start loss to the Blues.
Meanwhile long-time teammate Bernard Foley says Israel Folau has hurt the NSW Waratahs but isn’t a bad guy. He won’t play in Saturday’s crucial Super Rugby clash against Australian conference leaders Melbourne Rebels at the SCG.
Foley has played alongside him for the Waratahs and Wallabies since the code hopper switched to rugby union before the 2013 season.
‘‘I think he’s hurt the team, which is not what we’re doing and not why we play sport. We’re a team and we encourage diversity.
‘‘I also don’t think Izzy is a bad guy, so there’s a lot if conflict there, but I don’t agree with what he’s done so it’s a tough situation.’’ NSW Waratahs: Kurtley Beale, Cam Clark, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Karmichael Hunt, Alex Newsome, Bernard Foley, Jake Gordon, Michael Wells, Michael Cooper (capt), Jack Dempsey, Rob Simmons, Jed Holloway, Sekope Kepu, Damien Fitzpatrick, Harry Johnson-Holmes. Reserves: Andrew Tuala, Rory O’Connor, Chris Talakai, Tom Staniforth, Will Miller, Nick Phipps, Malakai Foketi, Curtis Rona.