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While the Waratahs winning their first Super title is right off the top shelf for Australian rugby, crack centre Kurtley Beale is unfinished business.
The 25-year-old has yet to re-sign with the champions, which automatically means he has yet to re-sign with the ARU.
Beale is a must if the Wallabies are going to benefit from the Super win.
But there’s a further bonus, Beale re-signs, and Israel Folau stays, Beale goes, so does Folau after the Rugby World Cup.
Both Beale and Folau will both be playing in the Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup series, with the All Blacks first up on August 16 at ANZ Stadium.
Thanks to the bumper and record Super final crowd of 61,823 at ANZ, expect 80,000-plus for the Bledisloe opener.
They are the very best and most exciting centre-fullback combination in world rugby, and if the Wallabies are to be a genuine threat for next year’s Rugby World Cup, Beale must be on duty.
So the next few days are critical to Wallaby coach Ewen McKenzie, as he awaits Beale’s decision.
But before that, McKenzie has to bite the bullet and reverse his selections of late, and start Beale at inside centre against the All Blacks with Matt Toomua on the bench.
Toomua is a quality centre without flair, he will never let McKenzie nor Australia down.
But Toomua’s hasn’t the Beale electricity, the ability to turn the fortunes of a game in a nano-second through sheer brilliance.
And Toomua’s understanding with Folau will never reach the dizzy heights of the Beale-Folau partnership. That’s something very special, and very rare.
So a lot hinges on Beale’s future.
The way he spoke at the Waratahs reception at Martin Place in Sydney, Beale’s going to stay, and excited about the prospects.
But it’s never over until the fat lady sings,
Rugby, right across the board, needs Kurtley Beale’s signature on the dotted line of a Waratah contract.
Sooner than later.
The Bledisloe is almost here!
Tickets are on sale to what will be a blockbuster at ANZ Stadium (get yours here). After a cracking Super Rugby final, this promises to be epic.There’s also plenty happening in the lead-up, with the Bledisloe Cup Festival a chance for true rugby supporters to get together.
Want to introduce yourself to a few of the players? The Bledisloe Bay is your best bet on Thursday 14th August from 5pm. Check it out!