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3D Analysis: Wallabies making allowances for Kurtley Beale

22nd August, 2014
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Michael Cheika reckons Kurtley Beale could be headed home. (Photo: Paul Barkley/LookPro)
Expert
22nd August, 2014
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Against the All Blacks last week we saw the Wallbies’ defensive structure adjusted, with the wingers playing in the front line and Kurtley Beale in the back field.

Was that to hide Beale in defence, or to try and get him in a better position to launch counter attacks? Only the Wallaby coaches could tell us.

This week I’ve been looking at the Wallabies’ attack and as well as adjusting their defensive structures because of Beale’s inclusion in the team, they’ve also adjusted their first-phase plays to incorporate Beale’s cross-field running.

It appears that rather than try to get Beale to play more directly from fly-half the Wallabies coaches have decided to let him do what comes naturally and play laterally.

In this week’s analysis video I’ve included two examples where the play includes Beale running almost directly across the field with the ball, and one where he plays more directly and passes early.

These are scripted plays that have been practised and designed by the coaches so they are encouraging Beale’s lateral play, at least from first phase.

The play in the clip where Beale plays more directly was more effective and offers far more potential for the Wallabies this weekend.

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It will be interesting tonight to see whether any adjustments have been made to adopt the more direct plays the Wallabies have used with Bernard Foley and Quade Cooper at fly-half over the last 12 months.

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