Wallabies: Veteran Kurtley Beale returns to the squad for the Bledisloe Tests

Dylan Coetzee
Kurtley Beale with ball in hand for the Wallabies during the 2019 Rugby World Cup

2A65HE7 Kurtley Beale of Australia during the World Cup Japan 2019, Pool D rugby union match between Australia and Georgia on October 11, 2019 at Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa in Shizuoka, Japan - Photo Laurent Lairys / DPPI

Veteran Kurtley Beale has been named in the Wallabies squad for the two Bledisloe Tests against the All Blacks in the final stages of the Rugby Championship.

Coach Dave Rennie and his men will be eyeing the trophy, having not won it since 2002, as they hope to exploit New Zealand’s hot and cold form. However, they have inconsistencies of their own to deal with.

Experience

Beale has recently recovered from an injury and will bring a “wealth of experience” to the Wallabies with his 95 Test caps.

Second-row Rory Arnold is unavailable as he awaits the birth of his first child, and Cadeyrn Neville has been called into the squad as his replacement.

Rennie welcomed the pair into the squad and underlined that the Wallabies aim to push hard for the Bledisloe Cup.

“Kurtley is a welcome return to the squad after recovering from a long-term injury and will bring his passion for the jersey along with his wealth of experience at Test level,” said Rennie.

“It’s great to be able to keep the core of our group together and welcome Cadeyrn back to the mob, while we wish Rory all the best for what’s an incredibly exciting time for him and his family.

“We know how important these next two Tests are with silverware on the line and we’ll be expecting a response after the disappointment of last weekend’s loss.”

The Bledisloe battle begins with a Test next Thursday at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne. Meanwhile, the Rugby Championship remains there for the taking with only one point separating the top and bottom teams with two rounds to go, meaning the Bledisloe Tests are crucial for both sides.

Wallabies squad

Australia: Allan Alaalatoa, Kurtley Beale, Angus Bell, Jock Campbell, Pone Fa’amausili, Folau Fainga’a, Lalakai Foketi, Bernard Foley, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon, Reece Hodge, Jed Holloway, Len Ikitau, Andrew Kellaway, Marika Koroibete, Rob Leota, Noah Lolesio, Lachlan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, Fraser McReight, Cadeyrn Neville, Hunter Paisami, Jordan Petaia, Matt Philip, David Porecki, Pete Samu, Scott Sio, James Slipper, Darcy Swain, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Suliasi Vunivalu, Nic White, Harry Wilson, Tom Wright

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