Kurtley Beale has had his first bitter-sweet taste of being a Test playmaker and he craves more.
Beale will pilot the Wallabies in Sunday morning’s (AEDT) final Rugby Championship clash against Argentina where a backs-to-the-wall triumph can give him his wish.
With the other members of Australia’s Three Amigos – Quade Cooper and James O’Connor – on the sidelines, the 24-year-old stands as the tourists’ biggest weapon at five-eighth in an injury-depleted backline.
Beale was a shining light in last week’s 31-8 loss to South Africa in his first international start at No.10 – breaking the line, passing sharply and producing a string of touch-finders with the boot – in a major return of confidence following a horror start to the Rugby Championship.
Lacking the zip and fitness which made him a game-breaking fullback last year, a rusty Beale was dropped twice from No.15 in the first half of the tournament.
But he’s now excited about building a future at five-eighth, especially following on from his eye-catching Super Rugby displays mid-year for the Melbourne Rebels before injuries hit.
“At the end of the day, I’ll do what’s best for the team, I’ve always wanted to be that player who can fill (any) void,” Beale said.
“Early in the year with the Rebels I enjoyed my rugby at 10 and last week was a little bit of a taste there that I want more of.”
O’Connor is due to return from his torn hamstring against the All Blacks on October 20 but Beale would virtually guarantee himself the coveted No.10 jersey again by rallying a young backline for a memorable win over the Pumas in Rosario.
In two weeks, Beale has gone from discard to senior player as he’s been leading the way at training for rookies like Ben Tapuai, Mike Harris and Nick Cummins to follow.
“KB has been outstanding in that role,” said skipper Nathan Sharpe.
“He just stepped straight into that role as soon as he assumed that position.
“His skill set is one of the best in world rugby and the guys appreciate that.”
Sharpe, who surpasses George Smith as the Wallabies most-capped forward in his 111th Test, said it was crucial the forwards negated Argentina’s strength at the breakdown to allow Beale quick ball.
The Pumas pack are expert at locking in the ball in the tackle and the veteran lock said the key would be stronger ball-carries and more speed to the breakdown from supporting players.
Both sides are claiming underdog status as Argentina look to celebrate their first win in the tournament as well as send revered prop Rodrigo Roncero into retirement in style.
The under-strength Wallabies can toast a win to remember and release the pressure on coach Robbie Deans if they defy the injuries which have robbed them of a dozen of their best 22.
