The Melbourne Rebels insist the latest Kurtley Beale drama isn’t unsettling the side ahead of their Super Rugby clash with the Blues.
The Wallaby playmaker didn’t make the flight to Auckland after being stood down for drinking alcohol, breaking a condition of his return to rugby following a month-long suspension.
It was a tough call for the Rebels after the electric Beale came off the bench and almost sparked a boilover win against the defending champion Chiefs – their third last-ditch loss in as many games.
Rebels coach Damien Hill said apart from that cameo, the side had become accustomed to playing without him.
Beale also missed two games before the ban, breaking his hand in round three.
“As is the case with injury and other circumstances, you’ve got to be adaptable to changes that happen,” Hill said.
“Our focus is solely on beating the Blues and that’s what I need to ensure is the team’s mindset.”
Jason Woodward has taken Beale’s fullback spot at Eden Park while 20-year-old Bryce Hegarty is in line for his Super debut after being included on the bench.
Hegarty is the son of former Manly rugby league player Steve but also has a rugby pedigree, attending Marist Ashgrove in Brisbane, which spawned former Wallabies skipper John Eales.
He shocked the rugby fraternity when he signed while still at school with the Brisbane Broncos, and played in their under 20s team before his move to Melbourne.
Hill said Hegarty was comfortable playing in the back three or at No.10.
“He’s got ball-playing skills, a strong running game and he’s very resilient.
“I’m exceptionally confident that given the opportunity, he’ll do a very good job,” said Hill.
Hegarty was excited about the chance to make his debut, while admitting it would be a big step up after schoolboy rugby and a few games in the Victorian competition.
He said he’d been picking the brains of Test back James O’Connor.
“James and Jarrod Saffy and Nick Phipps as well have all been really good,” Hegarty said.
“James has been really good with my game which has been great.”
The Rebels are searching for just their third win of the season and first off-shore while the Blues, who finished 12th last year, are currently second in the New Zealand conference.
