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Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has stuck to his first team through thick and thin since the start of the Rugby World Cup, barring injury of course.
The only exception was bringing in lock Dean Mumm for Rob Simmons against Wales.
All the other changes have been through injury. Winger Drew Mitchell for Rob Horne (shoulder), No. 8 Ben McCalman for David Pocock (calf), and fullback Kurtley Beale for Israel Folau (ankle).
The next exception was openside flanker Sean McMahon for Michael Hooper (suspension).
There is no problem with that line of thinking, as best described by utility back Matt Toomua speaking on behalf of the 31-man squad.
“We’ve focused on the whole squad mentally, it’s hugely important – you can’t underestimate the squad whether it’s the vibe around training and helping others out, or if we get a genuine go.
“I’m one of those guys on the fringes and working hard to get there (in the top side)”.
If ever there’s a fringe player in this tournament who has done everything right to get a genuine go, it’s Kurtley Beale.
He played 69 minutes replacing Horne in the game against England, another 13 minutes replacing Drew Mitchell against Wales, and the entire 80 minutes against Scotland standing in for the injured Folau.
Against England and especially in the Scotland game, Beale was great. He was outstanding in attack, vastly improved in defence and conclusively proved he’s a big match player. He was my stand-out man of the match against the Scots with Will Genia not far adrift, although Matt Giteau was the judge’s choice.
But Cheika has denied Beale a start in the World Cup semi against the Pumas at Twickenham early Monday morning AEDT.
By his own standards and rule of thumb, Cheika has dudded Beale.
Yet Cheika has made a complimentary comment about prop James Slipper replacing the injured Scott Sio (elbow) for Sunday.
“James has been pushing for a starting spot with his performances as a finisher (fringe player) and I know he’ll take it with both hands,” was Cheika’s big tick.
Beale has done exactly the same, only a whole lot better. His performances have demanded recognition because they have been off the top shelf.
Folau has been deemed fit to play, which is hard to comprehend seeing only two days ago ago he was in ‘serious’ doubt.
Beale would have been first choice selection for the 15 jumper had Folau not been available.
But Folau’s playing, so a spot had to be found for Beale, and the only one possible is on the left wing for Drew Mitchell.
Not that Mitchell has played badly, far from it. It’s that Beale has played better – much better.
There’s nothing in it physically – Beale’s 184cm and 92kgs – Mitchell 182cm and 92kgs. But there’s a big difference in overall current form.
Using Cheika’s personal yardstick, Beale has jumped out of the fringe category into top team status that automatically demands starting XV selection.
So let’s see when Cheika throws Beale into the fray come Sunday. Hopefully it won’t be too late.
In the meantime, the Wallaby squad to meet the Pumas is:
1 – James Slipper (72 caps).
2 – Stephen Moore (capt – 100).
3 – Sekope Kepu (61).
4 – Kane Douglas (21).
5 – Rob Simmons (58).
6 – Scott Fardy (28).
7 – Michael Hooper (49).
8 – David Pocock (53).
9 – Will Genia (64)
10 – Bernard Foley (25).
11 – Drew Mitchell (68).
12 – Matt Giteau (100).
13 – Tevita Kuridrani (29).
14 – Adam Ashley-Cooper (112).
15 – Israel Folau (36).
16 – Tatafu Polota-Nau (59).
17 – Toby Smith (2).
18 – Greg Holmes (22).
19 – Dean Mumm (42).
20 – Ben McCalman (45).
21 – Nick Phipps (37).
22 – Matt Toomua (29).
23 – Kurtley Beale 58).
Referee – Wayne Barnes (England).