Beale has the X-factor

Wallabies star Kurtley Beale has got the same X-factor as Israel Folau and will pose a similar threat in Saturday night’s Bledisloe Cup clash in Perth, according to All Blacks back Ben Smith.

Folau’s messy exit from the Wallabies left Australia with a massive hole to fill at fullback.

Tom Banks was solid as starter in the 35-17 loss to the Springboks in South Africa last month, but it was Beale’s performance in the No 15 jersey off the bench there and since that really caught the eye of the All Blacks. Beale is expected to retain the role at fullback for Saturday’s clash at Optus Stadium.

Long been regarded as one of the world’s best fullbacks, Smith said his team was aware of the danger the 30-year-old Beale presents.

‘‘He [Folau] is a world-class player . . . but Kurtley Beale has got that same X-factor, and he’s a quality player too,’’ Smith said. ‘‘He has a good sidestep.’’