Kurtley Beale: Wallabies' new 10?
The Wallabies left for South Africa on Thursday with coach Robbie Deans keeping the identity of his new fly-half for next week's Test a secret.
Deans has had to find a replacement for injured number 10 Quade Cooper but was giving little away at the team's departure as to whether it was Berrick Barnes or Kurtley Beale.
The Wallabies are second in the Rugby Championship behind the all-conquering All Blacks ahead of their final two Tests in the series against the Springboks in Pretoria on September 29 and Argentina in Rosario on October 7.
Deans said he had decided on a new playmaker after losing Cooper to knee surgery earlier this week but wanted to tell his players first.
"The choices are obvious... we've got Berrick, we've got Kurtley," Deans said at Sydney airport.
"Obviously, it will be one of the above. We've made the decision, we just haven't communicated it yet.
"Our protocol is to talk to the players before we talk to the public."
Barnes, renowned for his reliability, has strong kicking skills more suited for a conservative field position game while regular fullback Beale is a more explosive, ball-running number 10.
Deans said his choice would not be an indication of the style of game he intended to play as the team look to continue their recent dominance over the Springboks. Australia have won seven of the past eight contests.
"I don't think it will make a lot of difference either way," he said.
"As you've seen with the way we structure our game, you'll see both players involved in both roles, so it really doesn't matter."
Comments
APV1 says...
@ kiwilad - he's back from the bush and been sighted on the "Hot or not" thread.
Posted 15:20 25th September 2012
pr_3 says...
9. Phipps (*sigh*), 10. Beale, 11. Digby, 12. Barnes, 13. McCabe, 14. Shipperley, 15. AAC.
Return of Matt Gitteau anyone?
Posted 14:07 22nd September 2012
ruckingkiwi says...
Look out , we may see more of this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1d1hsJWJV4
Posted 13:16 21st September 2012
jonesy2 says...
also the games kurtley played at 10 for the tahs this year he was sublime. and if the boks stick with steyn kurtley will have a huge opportunity to turn his form around and have a cracking game.
Posted 09:54 21st September 2012
Carpelone says...
@ Kiwilad
I did not hear from him from quite a while, now.
Posted 09:43 21st September 2012
flatline says...
whilst i agree KB has the talent to make a better fist of 10 than BB, i fear his defence right now would not stand up to the Boks in your face approach. that said, they havent been so close to the offside line recently...
reckon deans will start with BB and finish with KB. but i do think JOC would do a better job than either
Posted 09:33 21st September 2012
nickolik says...
I'm with cuw3100. At least will get the backline moving forward by taking the ball up when needed
Posted 03:04 21st September 2012
Ferdie says...
one for Trinats - in the past three years have there been two consecutive games where the Wallabies have fielded the same backline?
There doesn't seem to be a 'core' backline, every match players in new positions whether forced by injury or selector's whim.
Posted 01:35 21st September 2012
Sprogrugby says...
Agree with most of the opinions - KB for the job. Barnes has been looking more and more static, predictable and devoid of ideas. While KB has been off form it has been in a squad that had hardly been doing much, and at fullback he's always going to struggle in a team like that. Hopefully a bit more ball by being at 10 will give him a chance to play himself into form, especially with him appearing to be a confidence player. Of course, 15 saffas breathing down his neck may hinder that, but with the fortunes of their squad somewhat mixed at present, this could be the ideal opportunity for him to start there.
Posted 01:16 21st September 2012
kiwilad says...
Very off topic I know, but has anyone heard from Justice-4-all recently???
He seems rather quiet and I hope he is OK???
Posted 01:06 21st September 2012
Carpelone says...
Wallaroo
I know you get emotional about Oz's players, but please check the grammar and the spell check.
I owe you one
Posted 23:21 20th September 2012
eejbm says...
Barnes at 15, Beale at 10 and AAC in the centres equals minimal disruption.
Go Wallabies !
Posted 22:54 20th September 2012
2EyedKiwi says...
Give Beale a chance. Australia have shown before that they can convert a 15 in to a world class 10, ala Larkham. Unless there's some sort of divine intervention, they won't win this years RC, so why not give it a go? That said, when fit I reckon James O'Connor is the best option at 10 for Australia.
Posted 21:12 20th September 2012
ruckingkiwi says...
When is JOC back?
Posted 21:11 20th September 2012
ArmchairGeneral says...
With SAf kicking game 15 is probably as big a position as 10. In possession I'd play Beale at 10. If Boks have ball have Barnes at 10. Think Deans is right. It doesn't really matter with ozzie backs. Maybe Digby can have a go.
Posted 19:32 20th September 2012
Wallaroo says...
Beales that man. Forced to step up he will, the guys a class act. Everyone has their off days, professionals seems to get over them quicker, Kurtley is a professional.
Posted 17:18 20th September 2012
cuw3100 says...
go left field and play AAC at 10 :) after all he cannot be worse than BB or KB LOL
Posted 13:35 20th September 2012
Carpelone says...
Beale would be a 10 to fear, especially in games where Australia is supposed to have less possession. A wrong pass and you will find either him or Ioane diving under your posts.
However, I think that his game is not as structered / sophisticated as required to ignite the Oz backline. An opportunistic pick rather then a strategic one.
Posted 12:18 20th September 2012
melkdave says...
No debate imo,with QC availabe ,it will be B.Barnes at 10 .K.Beale shouldnt be anywhere near the squad on present form,let alone being considered for FH
Posted 12:17 20th September 2012
startledwombat says...
Beale. Barnes is too slow at directing traffic, making decisions, and thinking. Only when he has the time to think does he overcome his first reflex, which is to kick the ball.
Posted 11:32 20th September 2012