Recalled Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell has backed demoted star Kurtley Beale to overcome confidence issues and make an impact from the bench against New Zealand in Saturday night’s must-win Bledisloe Cup clash in Auckland.
Coach Robbie Deans is yet to name a reserves bench, but Beale is all but certain to be included in the final 22 despite being replaced by Adam Ashley-Cooper at fullback.
Beale’s confidence is said to be rattled after turning in the self-confessed worst match of his career in last week’s Rugby Championship and Bledisloe opener in Sydney.
With positional switches taken into account, Mitchell effectively takes Beale’s place in the run-on 15, but the NSW flyer predicted his former Waratahs teammate would still play a vital role as a potential game-breaker late in the game.
“It’s quite obvious he was disappointed with how he went but the boys have every faith in KB bouncing back,” said Mitchell.
“He won’t get the opportunity at the start of the match this weekend but I’m sure when he does get his chance he’ll show he’s the world-class player we all know he is.
“At any point where you play lower than the standard you expect from yourself you’re going to be disappointed. I’m sure there’s an element of (loss of confidence) but he’s also a pretty confident fella.
“He’s got a lot of confidence from the blokes around him in his ability so I’m sure he’ll bounce back.”
Mitchell failed to get on the field last week, so Saturday represents his long-awaited return from 12 months of injury hell.
The All Blacks scored their two tries from last week’s win down the flanks, and Mitchell says he’ll need to be switched on in defence out wide.
“They were pretty well executed plays by the All Blacks. For us, it’s just about the minor detailing we’ve gone through during the week.
“Obviously it’s been a bit of a long journey for me with the (leg) injury, so getting my first Test start is significant to a point.
“But this isn’t the end place for me that I want to get to. I want to go out there and compete and make an impact on the team.”
