Kurtley Beale is returning to Australia to shoot for a 2023 Rugby World Cup spot with no guarantee that a regular Wallabies spot is waiting for him.
That’s the admirable take on reports out of France that the 95-Test figure will return to Australia after his contract finishes in June with Racing 92 in Paris. Motivation high. That’s a good thing.
There’ll be spot fires of debate today about whether Beale is already past his use-by date at 33 and whether the Wallabies should be zeroing in on different fullback options.
The fact is that fullback is one of the most important positions in the team and the most contentious with such a lack of contenders.
The field thins out completely once you throw up Tom Banks, the Jordan Petaia experiment that is still to get out of the test tube and utility Reece Hodge. Queenslanders will suggest Jock Campbell on Super Rugby form but he’s a step below Test level.
The Beale case is intriguing. Wallabies coach Dave Rennie recalled him for three Tests in Europe late last year when Banks and Hodge were out injured.
The Rennie rating at the end of it was “really rapt” even allowing for a hum-drum game against England before a strong game against the Welsh.
(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
What the Wallabies really need is a Freddie Steward clone. Remember him? He was the dynamic, swerving figure at fullback last November when England beat the Wallabies at Twickenham. He’s 21, 100kg-plus and full of gallop. He has the sort of thrust from fullback that Petaia could offer if he learnt to kick. He certainly has the high-ball skills and thrust.
Banks started the first eight Tests of 2021 before a broken bone in his arm grounded him. He played some of his best Test rugby, not all the time but enough to feel he’s going to give 2022 a good crack.
Beale showed us a glimpse last November. His step, dangle of the ball and fend to shoot through a gap against the Welsh put Filipo Daugunu over for a try.
He caught some high balls and missed some. He made some tackles and missed others.
You have to admire Beale for wanting to chase a start at his fourth World Cup but it won’t be easy.
He’s not across the line like a Quade Cooper or Rory Arnold, who just have to put up their hands from abroad and they’ll be starters.
Beale really has to perform.
At his best, his ad libs, his jinky speed, his ball-play and his interplay with Bernard Foley made him look a step ahead of the defence time and again at the 2015 World Cup in England. That’s more than six years ago.
Does Beale still have his line-breaking speed? Is he going to make those forceful tackles as the last line of defence? They are good questions.
What he does have is experience and that counts for loads at a World Cup. He’ll dab a pressure-relieving kick when you need it although the one he didn’t get away against Wales in the closing moment was crucial to the result in Cardiff last year.
Most of all, it seems that Beale has the motivation which is a good thing.
It’s just a shame he isn’t on a plane this week. The NSW Waratahs would relish having his experience and polish in the backline as they try to shake off the disasters of 2021.
The Beale case will be an interesting one in 2022. He really has to strike top form for rugby fans to get on board for the ride.
AussieBob
Roar Rookie
Mogg is the one to watch, all the skills plus plenty of URO experience.
Captain 15
Roar Rookie
Hi Jim I always enjoy your critiques and thoughtful ideas. I don’t think Kurtley Beale has really developed as a rugby player much from when he played behind those dominant SJC forward packs where he had space and time. It was the same at the Waratahs and Wallabies when he started at 10 he was a major disappointment. He should have spent 2 years in colts and brought through slower and without hyperbole and expectation. If MarkElla can’t play for Australia until 22 then KB can’t either. It was outside an incredibly in form Bernard foley with that dominant potgeiter pack that allowed him and the over rated one trick pony ( very good on your outside shoulder and easy to palm)Folau to excel. On his trip to Wasps they turned him into a 15. His inconsistencies have ( intercept pass behind own line in 3rd minute v Sprigboks) and always will be too great. Yes a brilliant player at times with the ability to do the unthinkable, but definitely not an option of the Wallabies ( we did lose all 3 games) or the Waratahs with Coleman must be looking to developing Harrison into a genuine 15.Not to mention the return of Banks, Campbell( I really don’t think Petiaa is in Thorn’s plans for 15 and the tricky one…… Where do you play Hodge?? and Kellaway? Sorry Kurtley. Do Racing still want him and was Paulie ( Aust Schools capt)his no 8 at Joeys?? Conspiracies everywhere!!!! Go Tahs
jeznez
Roar Guru
Understand the appeal but he's been so good at 14, I wouldn't shift him. Also love that massive punt that Hodge has, puts in massive efforts on his kick chase. Just needs a bit better security under the high ball. Leave Kellaway out wide, where he is so good at crossing the chalk.
Ray
Roar Rookie
I would prefer the rebels to start Andrew Kellaway at 15.
Wigeye
Guest
picking Beale is 2nd guessing yourself. Big gamble for no gain. Not learning from the past. Upsetting the rebuild. Poor guru for next in line..cheika era... Anyone remember the cheika era ?. Bad egg in the basket. Move backwards again not fwd. And so bloody stupid
Jezdexter
Roar Rookie
The biggest problem with Beale is Australian Rugby. He was our best 15 for years, but we played him at 12 and even tried him at 10 so that Folau, who should have always been a winger, could wear 15. He wasn't a particularly good 12 and was a poor 10. He went to England where they played him at 15, thrived and came back better, so we immediately made him into an average 12 again. If we had let the lad play it out at 15 for his whole career he would be thought of as a great of the Australian game. I'm not sure that he will make the RWC, he is behind Banks, Hodge and probably level with Mogg and Campbell realistically. How we let Mack Hansen go at both Provincial and National level is beyond me, the Irish will turn him into the dominant Fullback we want but we just ignored his skills and let him leave.
Tez
Roar Rookie
Thanks Jim. I am in two minds about Beale, Our current fullbacks would be Banks, Hodge and Kellaway. Beale at his best is better than all those, but his consistency worries me, plus his age. I hope when he comes back to the Tahs that he does not squeeze out younger players. I would really like to see the Tahs give Donaldson an extended go at fullback. I believe he could be the left field dark horse who might nail down the Wallaby 15.
WINSTON
Roar Rookie
I recall Beale, cool as a cucumber slotting the winning penalty after full time, against South africa in South africa
Bodger
Roar Rookie
No but he definitely should be considered a roll on the bench. At international level that now is his best option and can bring a point of difference.
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
Move to the Rebels or Force.
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
Jesse to be fair is an interesting prospect, hope he goes well for the Brumbies. My gut feel is he will come off the bench.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
But his defence was so terrible that he could get wrong footed by an octogenarian in a wheelchair. I have not seen him play overseas. So if he has improved this it’s wonderful. I doubt he still has his speed though.
Harty
Roar Rookie
I think he's been considered a bit lightweight for test footy BF. I have a feeling that, a bit like Peter Hynes, if he gains a bit more muscle and power he will be exceptional. He also has a bit of early Larkham about him as he glides through gaps. A highly skilled player.
Hooter
Roar Rookie
Not to mention the missed penalty that cost a Lions series victory due to poor decision making on moulded versus long studs on a heavy track. Unrepentant at that.
Hooter
Roar Rookie
12 for mine. We need to develop him as the most like Kerevi like player (though Paisami improved a lot over the spring tour).
Hooter
Roar Rookie
I have been saying precisely this for years on other forums. Deeply flawed player that people perceived offered more than he delivered.
Hooter
Roar Rookie
What about Jesse Mogg?
Hooter
Roar Rookie
Score tries: Tick, however usually created by others Catch: Tick, very tick. Best part of his game in league and union Run: Tick, was one of the best in the business in this area but he has lost pace since his hamstring injury. Tackle: Cross, a defensive liability IMO. I can't remember a single time Izzy made a try saving tackle and he was often found out positionally. Kick: Cross, very poor in this essential skill for a fullback.
Hooter
Roar Rookie
He has NEVER been a cool head in tight situations. Resorts to chips, grubbers, multi man cutouts often robbing others of time, space and opportunity.
Hooter
Roar Rookie
Agreed, both rubbish but Maddocks better. Maddocks had the same hype and the same ability to not deliver on it consistently.