BEALE’S BRIEFS ENCOUNTER WITH RUGBY-MAD WILLIAM
WALLABIES star Kurtley Beale has revealed he has a Christmas gift fit for a future king — a pair of budgie smugglers! A photo of the Australia full back with Prince William, second in line to the throne, went viral after the win over Wales. Beale, who was wearing Speedos with an Indigenous Australian pattern, said: ‘He came in the sheds and said g’day to the boys, which was pretty cool. It was great to have a yarn with him, celebrating in the sheds with us! I just came from the recovery room. I love playing in my budgie smugglers, so they were the last things I was wearing. 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!’ Australia face England at Twickenham on Saturday and Beale expects their big names to return after being rested against Argentina. ‘I think Owen Farrell will be back,’ said Beale. ‘Maro Itoje, too. They’re influential players. George Ford and Farrell have been playing there for a while, and Ben Youngs at the base, combining well. They have created a lot of momentum. A lot of their game is based around their decision-making and picking the right time to play the footy. We’re looking forward to the challenge.’