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Hooper, Folau and Beale could lead the way to World Cup glory

22nd July, 2014
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Kurtley Beale and Israel Folau are two Western Sydney Wallabies. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
Expert
22nd July, 2014
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If the Wallabies are to regain the Bledisloe Cup for the first time since 2002, and win the Rugby World Cup for a record third time, Michael Hooper, Israel Folau and Kurtley Beale must be there.

Hooper will be, as captain, for both, Folau will also be there as his contract expires after the Rugby World Cup, but Beale is still floating after this season and could be heading to rugby league.

Where there’s smoke there’s fire.

There are two Beales – the very rational and highly motivated centre, and at times the irrational player off-field. And the latter largely depends on how he’s treated on-field.

That comment gives the impression Beale has a fragile nature. It’s not meant to because Beale is made of far sterner stuff than that.

I expect Beale to cement a starting berth with the Wallabies after the Waratahs beat the Brumbies on Saturday, and the Crusaders the week after to capture their first Super title.

The Bernard Foley-Beale-Folau combination is vital to the success of both the Waratahs, and the Wallabies. That’s why Beale must prove to Wallaby coach Ewen McKenzie he’s a far better overall proposition in the 12 jersey than incumbent Matt Toomua.

And when the Rugby World Cup is over, the fate of Beale and Folau in rugby will rear its head again. By then Beale will have been well and truly installed in the 12 jersey, but Folau could be a tougher proposition to stay.

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Legendary rugby league coach Wayne Bennett would chew his arm off to have Folau back at home with the Broncos. By then Bennett would be in his second year of his second stint, and Folau would be the thoroughbred of his roster.

Having said that, it’s up to ARU boss Bill Pulver to make sure Folau stays in rugby. It isn’t a big or a hard sell. Being a first-choice Wallaby opens up many doors for post-rugby, while seeing the world in first class. Rugby league can never offer the same benefits, not by a long shot.

The bigger danger to retain Folau will come from France, with massively deep pockets from a huge television contract. Living in France, and constantly touring Europe in places the Wallabies rarely go, is mighty attractive for a young bloke who wants to see the world, and taste different cultures.

But there’s one more to look after – Henry Speight.

In September, the flying Fijian becomes eligible to become a Wallaby. The now Brumby is the most destructive winger in Super Rugby, and quite capable of upsetting the Waratahs on Saturday on his own.

To complete the picture, Ewen McKenzie is building a powerful roster to deliver the Wallabies must pressing targets – the Bledisloe, and the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Nothing else matters outside those two cherished goals.

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