We’re ready to Y-front up warns Beale
An image of the Wallabies star meeting the suited Royal in his bespoke briefs in the Principality Stadium changing rooms after the 29-21 victory over Wales on Saturday went viral.
The bizarre snap in the company of the patron of the Welsh Rugby Union brought almost as much attention to the Beale budgie-smugglers as his crucial second-half try.
“They are my favourite budgies – I have got a few of them,” said Beale of the underwear that shares the design of an indigenous Wallabies jersey he worked with the ARU to create.
“As a proud indigenous Australian, it was great for Rugby Australia and our team to be able to acknowledge the first people of Australia.
“It definitely had a huge impact on the indigenous communities in our country.
“If we can, as players and as a union, inspire the next generation of young kids then that’s the positive impact we want to have. By all reports, it seems to have had a positive impact. I didn’t really realise how much it was going to take off.
“It’s a bit of a surprise for me. It’s good for the brand, I guess. Prince William is a really good guy, he’s pretty down to earth and it was great to have him in the sheds. I asked him if he wanted my ones that I had on. I’m sure we’ll be able to organise a pair if he wanted some for Christmas.”
Beale will have his lucky undies on again at Twickenham on Saturday as the Wallabies attempt to take the scalp they prize more than any other. They have lost their past four games against England since eliminating them from the 2015 World Cup but are bang in form going into this one. They think they know what is coming from England.
“I guess in the Premiership there’s a huge focus around being physical up front to lay that platform for your backs. That’s certainly something we’ll be expecting,” said the former Wasp. “England have always had that dominant forward pack and they’re pretty smart and creative around that setpiece. It’s something we’ll be working hard to try to nullify.”
They also think they know who is heading their way after England chose to rest Owen Farrell last Saturday. “I think he’ll be back. Itoje, too. They’re two influential players in that squad,” said Beale. “Youngs, Ford, Farrell are the creators in that team.”
Australia are without Israel Folau, who has been given this tour off with the World Cup in mind. But with Beale back in the fold and providing the X-factor in his roving backline role, the great full-back is hardly being missed. England coach Eddie Jones said: “He’s the most wonderfully gifted player. He does things other players don’t even dream of. He has that ability to make that big play.
“His stint at Wasps has aided him. He’s become a lot more professional, more consistent and he adds that extra dimension that you don’t know where he’s going to turn up in attack. He does it with skill, with pace, with precision and a smile on his face. We’re going to have to watch him carefully.”
It is the sort of occasion Beale had in mind when he turned down a new contract at Wasps and took a pay cut to return home to Australia.
“Twickenham is one of the best places you can play rugby,” said Beale. “If the crowd is up and chanting it will be difficult. It’s going to be good for a lot of our young guys to experience it. That’s what is special about this game.”
There is also the tantalising prospect of an underdressed beer with Prince Harry in the ‘sheds’ afterwards. What a double that would be.
tickets to watch England take on Australia at Twickenham this weekend