Beale gets chance to shine at fullback
Kurtley Beale can stake a claim to the Wallabies’ fullback spot at the World Cup after being handed the NSW Waratahs’ No 15 jersey vacated by Israel Folau.
With the rugby future of incumbent test fullback Folau in doubt as he awaits his code of conduct hearing, utility Beale has been challenged to showcase his skills at the back for the rest of the Super Rugby season.
He will start there in the Waratahs’ clash with Australian conference leaders Melbourne Rebels at the SCG tonight.
It’s a familiar job for Beale, who made his name in international rugby as a fullback, earning nomination for World Player of the Year in 2010 and playing the 2011 World Cup there before becoming the regular second five-eighth.
‘‘It’s a real opportunity for [Beale] to step up in a position as we know he can and really try and own that position for the next nine games,’’ Tahs coach Daryl Gibson said.
While Folau’s strengths were his aerial skills and tryscoring instinct, Gibson relished unleashing sharp counter-attacker Beale’s attributes at fullback.
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 loss to the Blues.