Melbourne Rebels playmaker Kurtley Beale will be rested for Saturday’s Super Rugby trial against the Waratahs at North Hobart Oval.
Rebels coach Damien Hill made the call on the starting fullback after training, giving the Wallaby another week’s break with the season-opener looming against the Western Force on February 15.
“Last year, Kurtley trained and played for 43 weeks straight, and we want to ensure he has a solid base before he begins what will be a huge year for him,” Hill said.
Beale’s absence has given Melbourne teen Kemu Valentini an opportunity for the Saturday afternoon clash.
Valentini was part of the historic Australian Schoolboy side’s win over New Zealand in Christchurch late last year, as well as playing for the Rebel Rising Team (Rebel B team) while still at Hallem Secondary School.