Beale return signals red alert for Wales coach

Friday 22 June 2012 WALES caretaker coach Rob Howley has put his defence on “red alert” following the introduction of Kurtley Beale into the Australia side for the third and final Test in Sydney tomorrow.

Beale missed the defeat by Scotland and the opening two victories in the three-Test series against the Grand Slam champions while he was recovering from a shoulder injury but will return at full-back in the Allianz Stadium.

Howley knows that could spell danger as Wales try to grab that elusive first win over the Wallabies in Australia in 43 years.

“It is red alert for us with Kurtley Beale back in the side. He gives us another problem to worry about,” Howley said.

“He is a world-class player who has huge ability to beat a man.

“We were very happy with our defence and line speed in Melbourne, but the addition of Sitileki Timani in the second row means they are looking for some more go-forward.

“Our possession statistics need to improve and we need to find greater accuracy and composure in our game at vital moments.”

Despite losing their two games to date against the number-two ranked side in the world, the narrow defeats in Brisbane and Melbourne have allowed Wales to rise to fourth place in the world rankings.

Howley has given a vote of confidence to his starting lineup for the third Test, making only one change among the replacements by dropping Richard Hibbard and replacing him with Scarlets hooker Ken Owens.