Beale makes his case as Wallabies' 10

Updated October 07, 2012 17:43:14

Just four weeks after being dropped to the bench for a second time in three Tests, Kurtley Beale highlighted his remarkable turnaround by piloting the Wallabies to a savoured South American success.

Beale, relishing his time as Wallabies playmaker, ensured he will remain in the number 10 Test jersey for at least another match after Australia's 25-19 win over Argentina in Rosario.

With close amigos James O'Connor and Quade Cooper still recovering from injuries, the 23-year-old is now a strong chance of finishing 2012 as the first-choice five-eighth.

He will line up there against the All Blacks in the third Bledisloe Test in Brisbane on October 20 in what will be a tougher test of his talents.

But under immense pressure and in tough, slippery conditions where almost every other player made handling errors, Beale showed his playmaking class to take control of a young, patched-up backline.

Retiring Pumas great Rodrigo Roncero was announced to the 41,000-capacity Rosario crowd as the man-of-the-match, but there was little doubt Beale was the most influential player.

He showed great composure, kicked well, looked dangerous each time he attacked and laid on a try from the top shelf for Digby Ioane.

Rookie centre Ben Tapuai, a decoy for Ioane's well-worked try as Beale fooled the Pumas' midfield defence, was rapt to be running lines two wide of Beale.

"Mate, it was awesome," Tapuai said.

"Just his talent, it lifts everyone up just a notch.

"He helped me with his chat and his skills.

"That ball he gave to Digby was world-class. It was unbelievable."

Coach Robbie Deans also singled out halves partner Nick Phipps for controlling the game with Beale as Australia's forwards proved far more aggressive and efficient at the breakdown than in the 31-8 loss to South Africa a week earlier.

"Kurtley was very good," Deans said. "He's a class act."

Prop Ben Alexander said the Wallabies knew they in for a special reception from the exactable Estadio Gigante de Arroyito crowd when the steep stands were already packed as they started their warm-up.

"It was unreal, the atmosphere incredible," he said.

"It would have been very easy for us to lose our cool and lose our heads.

"The humid weather and narrow pitch really didn't suit the way we wanted to play but I really thought it was a big step up for us."

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, argentina, australia

First posted October 07, 2012 17:43:14

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Beale to start at 10 for Wallabies

Updated September 27, 2012 17:20:55

Kurtley Beale will make his maiden Test appearance at five-eighth after being named to wear the Wallabies' number 10 jersey against South Africa in Pretoria on Sunday morning (AEST).

Beale comes into the starting XV to replace Quade Cooper, who is sidelined for the remainder of the Rugby Championship because of a knee injury.

Cooper's absence is the only change to the Wallabies' XV that escaped with a 23-19 victory over Argentina on the Gold Coast earlier this month.

Queensland lock Rob Simmons has been included on a 5-2 (five forwards, two backs) reserves bench.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans says he has full confidence Beale will be up to the challenge, despite never starting at five-eighth at the Test level.

"The [jersey] number might be new but his role within the game won't be," he said in a statement..

"Although his season hasn't been without challenge, Kurtley stepped up with his involvement on the Gold Coast, making a difference when he was on the field.

"He's brought that enthusiasm forward with him since we've been in South Africa, has worked hard on the training track, and is excited about the opportunity ahead.

He has good memories from some of his experiences over here."

Beale kicked the winning penalty goal after the full-time siren when the Wallabies struck through for their first win on the South African high veldt in 47 years in Bloemfontein in 2010.

He is one of eight survivors from the Wallabies squad that defeated the Springboks 41-39.

Wallabies squad: Berrick Barnes, Dominic Shipperley, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Pat McCabe, Digby Ioane, Kurtley Beale, Nick Phipps, Radike Samo, Michael Hooper, Dave Dennis, Nathan Sharpe (captain), Kane Douglas, Ben Alexander, Tatafu Polota Nau, Benn Robinson

Reserves bench: Saia Faingaa, James Slipper, Rob Simmons, Scott Higginbotham, Liam Gill, Brett Sheehan, Anthony Faingaa

Tags: rugby-union, sport, south-africa, australia

First posted September 27, 2012 17:20:55

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Beale back for the Wallabies

Updated September 04, 2012 17:49:48

Kurtley Beale returns to the Wallabies' starting line-up while Queensland winger Dominic Shipperley will make his debut in the team named for the Rugby Championship Test against South Africa in Perth on Saturday.

Full-back Beale was cut from the starting side for Australia's 22-0 loss to the All Blacks in Auckland after a shaky performance against them in the loss in Sydney a week earlier.

But he gets the No.15 jersey back in an Australian backline reshuffled to add much needed thrust.

Adam Ashley-Cooper moves from full-back to outside centre, replacing Rob Horne.

The pacy Shipperley is rewarded for a strong Super Rugby season and replaces the injured Drew Mitchell.

In the forwards 36-year-old Radike Samo returns to the Test starting pack for the first time this year at number eight with Scott Higginbotham dropped to the bench.

Tatafu Polota Nau, who was named at hooker for the Eden Park Test against the All Blacks but later withdrew because of injury, returns on the bench with Stephen Moore retaining the starting role.

Just eight of the players who started in Australia's last match against South Africa - an 11-9 win in the quarter-finals of last year's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand - will play in Saturday night's starting side.

Wallabies: Kurtley Beale, Dominic Shipperley, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia; Radike Samo, Michael Hooper, Dave Dennis, Nathan Sharpe, Sitaleki Timani, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson. Res: Tatafu Polota Nau, James Slipper, Scott Higginbotham, Liam Gill, Nick Phipps, Mike Harris, Anthony Faingaa.

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, australia, wa, perth-6000

First posted September 04, 2012 17:49:48

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Deans wants to move past Beale case

Updated July 24, 2012 20:55:07

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans says he hopes Kurtley Beale's common assault case can be settled out of court after the matter was adjourned on Tuesday.

The star full-back appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday in relation to the June 8 incident which occurred at a CBD hotel.

Both parties have agreed to proceed with mediation, which means the matter has been adjourned until August 22, and Beale will be free to face the All Blacks in the Bledisloe Cup opener four days prior in Sydney.

The ARU's independent disciplinary review procedure will not begin until the court process has been completed.

Deans said the step to mediation was a positive sign as he began Australia's Rugby Championship preparations on Tuesday with a training camp in Sydney.

"That's good. It's good to have that clear for now," Deans said of the development in Beale's case.

"There's still a shadow in the background but off the back of that you'd hope it will be resolved hopefully out of court.

"He's been working hard, he's got that rib injury but that's settled so he should be in good shape."

A preliminary training squad gathered to train at Leichhardt Oval on Tuesday, with Deans to name a second training squad for next week as well.

Following the two camps, Deans will settle on his final squad.

Ahead of back-to-back clashes with the All Blacks to begin the Rugby Championship, Deans is looking for inexperienced players to make the most of their time in camp in case they're called upon for the expanded tournament which also incorporates South Africa and Argentina.

Deans admits Queensland's elimination from the first round of the Super Rugby finals last weekend was a setback - with Australian players missing out on big-match opportunities.

However, Deans said the positive was his team would be fresh for the upcoming campaign and players would be injected into club rugby over the next three weeks if required.

"It's catch-22 in many ways, we've had the benefit of play-off rugby in recent times and there's no doubt that's been beneficial for those who are lucky enough to get it and it adds to their confidence and their belief," he said.

"But last year is living proof of the fact that it can also eat into and erode the Wallabies prep. So what we lose in one instance we may gain through having a bit more time."

According to Deans, Waratahs wingers Drew Mitchell and Lachie Turner have a lot of work to do fitness-wise to earn their place in the final squad, after spending most of the season injured.

Deans said training form would be crucial in determining whether Quade Cooper or incumbent Berrick Barnes would start at number 10 against the All Blacks.

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, australia

First posted July 24, 2012 20:55:07

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Troubled Beale set for Wallabies recall

Updated June 17, 2012 18:35:05

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans says Kurtley Beale is in line to make his international comeback in next Saturday's final Test against Wales, despite facing a police charge for assault.

The 23-year-old Beale is in hot water after an alleged altercation with security guards at a Brisbane hotel ahead of Australia's first Test with Wales earlier this month.

He has been out of action with a shoulder injury as the Wallabies registered victories over the Six Nations champions in the opening two Tests of a three-match series.

But he is available to play again after the Australian Rugby Union outlined it had put on hold its own disciplinary process surrounding Beale until the police matter was resolved.

Beale may go straight into the side at full-back, with Adam Ashley-Cooper possibly moving to the wing to replace Cooper Vuna, who faces a citing charge following a dangerous tackle in the last-gasp 25-23 win over the Welsh in Melbourne to clinch the series on Saturday night.

Deans says Beale still has to prove his fitness but indicated he is firmly in contention for selection in Saturday's third Test in Sydney.

"He started some contact work at the end of last week and that will be escalated early this week, and if he gets through that graduation, he'll be good to go," he said.

"Kurtley's a class player so if he's fit and ready to go, clearly he'll have a jersey on. We'll just have to make the decision whether it's a starting role or off the bench."

Despite two wins over the Welsh, Deans says the Wallabies need to improve their skill under the high ball, which Beale offered the side.

"We're looking for a better effort, a more complete performance," he said.

"There was some good stuff and we produced a lot of pressure, but the fact of the matter is that we let our foot off the throat and we let Wales back into the game."

Vuna will appear before a judiciary hearing on Monday after being cited for making a dangerous mid-air tackle on Welsh full-back Leigh Halfpenny in the second half of the Melbourne Test, for which he received a yellow card.

AFP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, australia

First posted June 17, 2012 18:35:05

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Wallaby Beale to be charged with assault

Updated June 16, 2012 20:33:46

Injured Wallabies full-back Kurtley Beale will be charged with assault following an alleged altercation at a Brisbane hotel last week.

Queensland police have informed Beale, who is out of the Australia side to face Wales in Melbourne on Saturday night with a shoulder injury, that he will face one count of common assault.

It is believed Beale and fellow injured Test player Quade Cooper were involved in an altercation with security staff at the Victory Hotel in Brisbane early on Friday, June 8.

No charges have been laid against Cooper, who was believed to be celebrating his re-signing with Queensland Reds.

The Australian Rugby Union said their own investigation into the incident had been put on hold.

Beale remains available for selection for the third and final Test against Wales in Sydney next Saturday pending his recovery and he is also available for his Super Rugby side Melbourne Rebels.

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-rugby, brisbane-4000, melbourne-3000, vic, qld, australia

First posted June 16, 2012 20:33:46

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Beale primed for Wallabies return: Ioane

Updated June 21, 2012 18:03:17

Wallabies winger Digby Ioane says full-back Kurtley Beale is set for a big performance in his return Test against Wales in Sydney on Saturday.

Beale has an assault charge hanging over his head but has been cleared to make his playing return after overcoming a shoulder injury.

The Wallabies boast a potent and experienced back three for the dead-rubber Test at Sydney Football Stadium, and Ioane says Beale instils confidence in the home side's attack.

"When you play beside him (Beale) he's one of those guys that can read the game really well, so working off Kurtley he can actually put you through gaps," he said.

"That's why I like playing alongside him.

"He's ready. Today he was training the house down.

"I'm looking forward to playing with him again."

Wallabies captain David Pocock said earlier in the week that at 2-0 up, he would like to see the side add some more fluency to their attack in the final match before players return to Super Rugby.

Although the Rugby Championship is still a few weeks away, Ioane says it is important the Wallabies continued to lay a solid foundation for the upcoming Tests against southern hemisphere powerhouses New Zealand and South Africa, as well as Argentina.

Mike Harris, who kicked the match-winning penalty goal in the second Test in Melbourne, has been dropped for the third match and Ioane says that gave some indication of the growing depth in the Wallabies squad.

"We've been without guys like Kurtley Beale and James O'Connor and these other guys are coming through, which is good for Australia," Ioane said.

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, australia

First posted June 21, 2012 14:28:38

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Cooper, Beale in hotel incident

Updated June 08, 2012 14:20:28

Wallabies stars Quade Cooper and Kurtley Beale are in hot water again as the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) investigates a late night scuffle at a popular Brisbane city hotel.

The two sidelined backs were allegedly involved in an incident with security guards outside the Victory Hotel after trying to re-enter the venue.

It is understood a scuffle broke out after the high-profile pair, who had previously left the venue, wanted to resume drinking but were denied access in the early hours of Friday morning.

Police were called but no arrests were made at the time.

CCTV footage caught vision of the incident and the pair could face further police questioning.

The ARU confirmed it had been made aware of the incident and the issue will be referred to an ARU disciplinary review procedure.

Former Wallabies team manager and federal policeman Phil Thomson is the ARU integrity officer and will be in charge of the disciplinary review.

AAP

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First posted June 08, 2012 14:18:07

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Beale returns to Wallabies side

Updated June 19, 2012 22:20:28

Kurtley Beale will make his Wallabies comeback in this weekend's final Test against Wales in Sydney, despite facing a police charge for assault.

The 23-year-old missed the first two Test wins against the Six Nations champions with a shoulder injury and during that time got into trouble over an alleged altercation with security guards at a Brisbane pub.

Despite this, he was selected Tuesday after the Australian Rugby Union said it had put on hold its own disciplinary process until the police matter was resolved.

Beale, who has not played since Australia's victory over Wales in the bronze medal play-off at last year's World Cup, will slot in at full-back and push Adam Ashley-Cooper to the wing.

Coach Robbie Deans said Beale had proved on the training field that he was ready for a recall.

"It has been frustrating for Kurtley and he's obviously had some off-field challenges to deal with as well," Deans said.

"But it was important for all concerned that he had full confidence in his shoulder before we looked at re-introducing him to the Test arena."

Beale said he was confident his shoulder would hold up.

"It's obviously been a while now ... I'm just raring to go," said Beale, who refused to take questions on the alleged assault which occurred when he was out with fellow Wallaby Quade Cooper.

No charges have been laid against Cooper.

"I think the medical staff have done a really good job ... they've respected me and looked towards the future in protecting me and thought having that extra week would have me in better stead going into the game," he added.

"I'm just very happy to be a part of it and I'm very grateful for another opportunity this weekend."

Ashley-Cooper takes Cooper Vuna's place on the wing while Waratahs giant Sitaleki Timani has been recalled to the starting second-row, with Rob Simmons moving to the bench.

Despite retaining the James Bevan Trophy for a third time in succession following last weekend's 25-23 win in Melbourne, Deans insisted the changes were not cosmetic but designed to strengthen his team.

"Wales are a very good side. They give you nothing and they take their scoring chances. They showed that in the Six Nations and they showed it again last weekend," Deans said.

"Both games in the series to date have been very close, there's no reason to suggest that Saturday afternoon will be any different."

Given that Wales has won just once in Australia - 43 years ago - Deans said the visitors would be motivated even though the series was now lost.

"If anything, they will be even more dangerous because the circumstance will unshackle them," he said.

"While they can no longer win the series, they can still achieve something only one other Welsh team has ever achieved by winning in Australia.

"And they have that opportunity in front of them with no real downside -- nothing to fear so to speak, as the series is beyond them."

Australia: Kurtley Beale, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Rob Horne, Pat McCabe, Digby Ioane, Berrick Barnes, Will Genia, Wycliff Palu, David Pocock (capt), Scott Higginbotham, Nathan Sharpe, Sitaleki Timani, Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Res: Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander, Rob Simmons, Dave Dennis, Michael Hooper, Nic White, Anthony Faingaa.

AFP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, sydney-2000

First posted June 19, 2012 11:19:00

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Rebels replace Beale with Hilgendorf

Updated May 31, 2012 10:26:47

James Hilgendorf has been named at fly half in place of the injured Kurtley Beale for the Rebels' clash with the Brumbies on Friday night.

Beale has been sidelined for at three weeks after undergoing minor surgery to remove floating cartilage from his left shoulder joint.

Outside Hilgendorf, captain Stirling Mortlock returns at inside centre for Lachlan Mitchell, who suffered concussion against the Hurricanes last week.

Flanker Hugh Perrett has been named in the starting side, the accomplished Sydney club rugby player to come up against talented Brumbies openside Michael Hooper.

The other change sees veteran Adam Freier return at hooker for Ged Robinson.

Tags: super-rugby, sport, rugby-union, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted May 31, 2012 09:48:51

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Beale still a chance of facing Wales

Updated May 29, 2012 20:56:01

Utility back Kurtley Beale may yet play a part in Australia's June Tests against Wales if his shoulder injury recovers in time, the Wallabies said on Tuesday.

Beale, who was injured in the Melbourne Rebels' loss to the Hurricanes in their Super Rugby match over the weekend, had surgery to clean out floating cartilage in his shoulder on Monday.

He was nonetheless expected to rejoin the Wallabies training squad after the team's match against Scotland on June 5, a Wallabies spokesman said.

"Then it's a matter of how he pulls up ... He could come back in time to be involved in the Wales series," he said of the three-match series that starts in Brisbane on June 9.

Beale's injury saw coach Robbie Deans rush Quade Cooper back into the squad, despite the mercurial fly half playing less than two full matches of rugby for Queensland as he battles back from a serious knee injury he sustained at the World Cup in New Zealand last year.

Cooper's Reds team-mate and utility back Ben Lucas has also been drafted into the training camp in Sydney this week ahead of the Scotland Test in Newcastle.

The Wallabies play Wales in Melbourne on June 16 and Sydney on June 23.

Skipper James Horwill is a certainty to miss the four Tests against Scotland and Wales, meaning lock Nathan Sharpe could win a 102nd cap while flanker David Pocock should be elevated to the captaincy.

Reuters

Tags: rugby-union, sport, australia

First posted May 29, 2012 20:56:01

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Injured Beale out of Wallabies squad

Updated May 28, 2012 15:58:48

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has confirmed five-eighth Kurtley Beale has been ruled out of Australia's June Tests against Scotland and Wales with a shoulder injury.

Beale underwent surgery on Monday for the injury he sustained in the Rebels' 66-24 trouncing at the hands of the Hurricanes on Saturday.

The Super Rugby club said in a statement that the operation cleaned floating cartilage from Beale's left shoulder joint.

The Rebels expect him to be unavailable for at least the next three to four weeks.

"The fact that he needs an operation is indicative that it is serious and it will rule him out of the June (Test) window," Deans said earlier on Monday.

Beale joins Melbourne team-mate James O'Connor and Brumbies fly half Christian Lealiifano on the sidelines for the Test against Scotland on June 5 and the three-match series against Wales starting on June 9.

Quade Cooper, who has played just two Super Rugby games this season after returning from serious knee surgery, or Waratah's playmaker Berrick Barnes are likely to be picked in the number 10 jersey.

Captain James Horwill has also been ruled out after scans revealed a hamstring tear damaged during the Reds' 13-12 win over the Brumbies on Saturday.

Deans said the injury was not as serious as he first feared.

"James, we are presuming, is out for the whole of June, but it is not as bad as it first looked. It looked pretty sinister at the time," Deans said.

Deans said he was not ready yet to announce his replacement captain, but flanker David Pocock and scrum-half Will Genia are considered front-runners to take the role against Scotland.

ABC/AAP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, australia

First posted May 28, 2012 11:54:32

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Beale relishing fly half role

Updated May 08, 2012 16:35:13

It is no coincidence the Melbourne Rebels took a huge step forward in Super Rugby on the same night Kurtley Beale was switched to five-eighth.

The regular Test full-back moved to the number 10 role last week against the Bulls following the departure of English import Danny Cipriani.

While the Rebels lost 41-35 at AAMI Park, the home side took a giant stride forward, according to half-back Nick Phipps.

Phipps says he's loving his new combination with Beale.

"It was definitely a step up for everyone involved," Phipps said on Tuesday.

"Now the challenge is that being our benchmark and us having to build on that every week."

Phipps says he's really enjoying himself after feeling his way at the club in 2011.

"Last year I was definitely going along with the flow and listening a lot," said Phipps, 23.

"Now I feel like I have a little bit more confidence, especially with Kurtley and `Delvey' (skipper Gareth Delve).

"Kurtley is really good at just letting the forwards and the nine (half-back) takeover until he wants to be able to use it.

"He's talking to me really well. Danny liked to take over a lot more which was good in a sense.

"But I think this time with Kurtley there he can concentrate on the backs and I can concentrate on the forwards and we can work the boys around the park.

"The holes are opening up for us because we are working so well together."

The Rebels host the Crusaders on Saturday night and it is another opportunity for Beale and Phipps, who made his Test debut last year, to push their selection claims.

Phipps said he had no doubt Beale could make a success of the move to Test five-eighth.

"Just seeing from the weekend that was his first game at 10 in three or four years," Phipps said.

"Give him another couples of goes - he'll become more natural and a lot more relaxed.

"He's just able to direct the play a lot more. He's lot more explosive around the defenders and he's always challenging where ever he can.

"It's really exciting for us. It's good that the boys are starting to know him and starting to work off him a bit more."

Phipps is a contender for the back-up half-back role for the Test side but says winning selection will be tough.

AAP

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First posted May 08, 2012 14:48:08

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Tahs plan to keep Beale on leash

Updated February 27, 2012 19:02:56

New South Wales may have let Wallabies star Kurtley Beale slip away to the Rebels but it plans to make sure he has no room to move in their Super Rugby clash on Friday night.

Beale left Sydney for Melbourne and, if he overcomes a persistent hamstring problem, will run out for his first game at AAMI Park against his old team.

Rebels skipper Stirling Mortlock on Monday confirmed he would miss the match due to a troublesome calf injury and he could be sidelined for their next few games.

"It's pretty tough because I'd like nothing more than to play in our first game, and in particular our first home game," the 34-year-old outside centre said.

"Having said that I'm really impressed with our preparation."

Mortlock said full-back Beale had run freely at their training session, with the team to be named on Wednesday.

"At this stage it's still touch and go but he ran really well so fingers crossed," said Mortlock.

"With muscle strains you can't push them too much but he ran really well so that's pleasing for us."

Waratahs coach Michael Foley said Beale was the sort of player who could create an opportunity out of nothing and his side needed to work to contain him.

"Whenever Kurtley plays there's going to be some tackles that he breaks and I think as a team we've got to scramble those situations," Foley said.

"We want to defend well in the first instance, but also accept the fact that Kurtley is pretty good at finding holes and we've just got to be good at covering them."

While the Rebels had the first-round bye, the Waratahs were pipped 25-21 by Queensland, the Super champion stealing the game with a try after the siren.

New South Wales hopes to have Berrick Barnes back in the line-up after recovering from a groin injury, the Test star to be assessed on Tuesday.

"Berrick has had a rehab run out there today and I didn't watch that too closely but I'm led to believe he got through that OK," Foley said.

Skipper Rocky Elsom, who did not play because of injury, said his team-mates were ready to move on.

"I think we did a lot of things really well and when you don't get a result when you do things really well, sometimes it makes you a bit disheartened, so we certainly don't want that," Elsom said.

"It was disappointing we didn't get away with a win so you can't get past that.

"By the same token they are mature enough to focus on the Rebels now."

Meanwhile, the Rebels are assisting police with an investigation into a car accident involving a player, who they have not named.

The club said there were no injuries.

"We are aware of a minor traffic incident on Friday involving a Rebels player," a club spokesman said.

"The club is currently assisting Victoria Police with its investigation and has no further comment to make at this time."

AAP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, nsw, melbourne-3000

First posted February 27, 2012 19:02:56

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Beale sidelined for final trial match

Updated February 17, 2012 11:04:48

Melbourne Rebels full-back Kurtley Beale has been ruled out of this Saturday's preseason match against the Crusaders at AAMI Park with injury.

The Rebels' new recruit suffered a slight hamstring strain during Thursday morning's training session and will be rested from the game.

"Scans reveal the injury is minor, but he will miss this weekend's game against the Crusaders at AAMI Park as a precaution," Rebels coach Damien Hill said.

Hill said Beale will be eased back into training over the next fortnight and is confident he will be ready for their first Super Rugby fixture against the Waratahs on March 2.

AAP

Tags: super-14, rugby-union, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted February 17, 2012 11:04:48

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Wallabies 'optimistic' but Beale fails to train

Updated October 12, 2011 11:45:34

Captain James Horwill says the Wallabies are hopeful Kurtley Beale will be fit to face New Zealand in the World Cup semi-finals, despite not training on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old full-back, one of Australia's main attacking threats, aggravated a hamstring injury during the quarter-final against South Africa last weekend and faces a race to be fit for Sunday's Eden Park clash.

"We're still optimistic, he's working really hard on his rehab, he's doing everything he can to be there," Horwill said.

"He wasn't there today so we had to put someone else in that position."

James O'Connor is most likely to move over from the wing to replace Beale in the number 15 jersey, but Horwill spoke only in generalities to the media on Wednesday about there being plenty of depth in the squad.

Horwill said inside centre Pat McCabe, who came off the pitch against the Springboks with a shoulder injury, trained "fully" on Wednesday.

Prop Sekope Kepu, who turned his ankle in last weekend's bruising encounter, did not train but Horwill says there is optimism he, too, will be fit enough to be named in the squad on Friday.

Reuters

Tags: rugby-union-world-cup, rugby-union, sport, new-zealand, australia

First posted October 12, 2011 11:45:34

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Beale joins Tahs' injury list

Updated April 25, 2011 18:53:00

Kurtley Beale joined the lengthening injury list of New South Wales' strike weapons but fellow Wallabies back Berrick Barnes could return for Saturday's Super Rugby home clash with Melbourne.

Beale (knee) went for a scan on Monday, along with two key forwards, skipper and openside flanker Phil Waugh and number eight Wycliff Palu, who aggravated old niggles during Saturday's 19-15 loss to Queensland in Brisbane.

Waratahs coach Chris Hickey says he believes Beale hurt his medial ligament in the first half of the game.

While he hopes the injury is not serious, Hickey says if it is it could lead to a revamp of a Waratahs backline already missing wingers Drew Mitchell and Atieli Pakalani and centre Rob Horne.

"We've lost quite a few of our backs, it's a situation where we're shuffling players a little bit in terms of positions, so the outcome of Kurtley's scan and his availability would certainly force us into a situation where we would have to reselect the team," Hickey said.

Barnes, who has missed the last four games after suffering a second head knock this season, trained with the team on Monday and was a chance to play on Saturday, according to Hickey.

"Part of his clearance to return to play is that he can complete the training and he feels good after training," Hickey said.

"At this stage we've got our fingers crossed that everything will go well for him during the week.

"Berrick was basically cleared medically a couple of weeks ago, with all the testing, all the MRI scans etc.

"Our main concern has been around how he feels personally and he'll see our doctor on Thursday just to confirm that he's feeling well and he's ready to return."

New South Wales called up former Brumbies and Waratahs full-back/winger Ben Batger and uncapped hooker Ben Roberts to train with the Waratahs this week.

"I think we've used 31 players this year which is the total we used last year and it's not so much the numbers that you use, but the number who are out from the starting XV and particularly those players like Drew Mitchell and Cliffy Palu, who are a big influence on the game," Hickey said.

"We spoke at the start of the year about the depth of the squad that we've built.

"We've got great confidence despite all the injuries that we've taken, we'll have a team on Saturday against the Rebels that will be more than capable of getting the job done for us."

In one piece of positive fitness news following the brutal game in Brisbane, Hickey said first-choice hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau pulled up well and showed no residual symptoms after suffering a head knock.

Hickey defiantly insisted New South Wales could still win the Australian conference despite falling 11 points behind Queensland following last Saturday's loss.

"We have now got five of our last seven games at home and Queensland have got some challenging games in front of them," he said.

- AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, nsw, sydney-2000

First posted April 25, 2011 18:27:00

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Beale to become a Rebel

Updated April 13, 2011 17:43:00

Super Rugby surprise packets the Melbourne Rebels have pulled off their biggest shock of the year by signing one of the hottest players in world rugby, Kurtley Beale.

The Rebels have lured the NSW and Wallabies star to Melbourne for two years from 2012, in a major blow for the Waratahs.

Beale, who has been playing at five-eighth and full-back for the Waratahs, will officially announce the move on Thursday, however NSW coach Chris Hickey confirmed his departure.

"Kurtley will give his reasons when he makes his announcement but he has informed us of his decision," Hickey said.

"What I want to stress is that this will happen in 2012 and in the mean-time he's playing for the Waratahs and we expect him to make a significant contribution towards helping us to win the Super Rugby title."

The Rebels said they would not confirm the signing until Beale and the Australian Rugby Union made an official announcement but the deal is believed to be for two years.

The Rebels are believed to also be targetting 20-year-old Western Force star James O'Connor, a close friend of Beale, while Wallabies fly half and Queensland Reds playmaker Quade Cooper is also rumoured to be in their sights.

The new Melbourne franchise was tipped to go through its debut Super season winless after cobbling together a team mostly of ageing players and discards from other teams.

But since their round one humiliation, ironically at the hands of the Waratahs, they have chalked up their third win and sit above the Brumbies and Force on the Super ladder.

The 22-year-old was understood to have signed a handsome contract heavily boosted by third party deals, while it is believed the Rebels also impressed Beale with their plans to assist him to expand his work as an Indigenous ambassador for the game - an area he is passionate about.

Signed by NSW as a schoolboy, Hickey said he was disappointed to lose a player of Beale's calibre, particularly as he had been a Waratah for five years and had already earnt 51 caps.

He completed a strong 2010 as one of the Wallabies' best and was a finalist in the International Rugby Board's player of the year awards.

"It's particularly disappointing because the Waratahs have played such a large part of Kurtley's career and we would have liked to have kept him," Hickey said.

"But quality players are always going to be difficult to keep."

-AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, nsw, sydney-2000, vic, melbourne-3000

First posted April 13, 2011 17:34:00

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Barnes, Beale doubt lingers for Waratahs

Posted April 26, 2011 12:23:00

Berrick Barnes needs to show confidence in contact training if he is to play in the NSW Waratahs' Super Rugby clash with the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday night.

Five-eighth Barnes has missed several matches while recovering from concussion and, while he has been passed medically fit, the 24-year-old must feel comfortable in his role in a contact session before being given the green light by coach Chris Hickey.

Fellow Wallaby Kurtley Beale did not train on Tuesday as he battles to recover from lateral ligament damage in his knee.

The injury is not serious, but Beale will need to be monitored and his chances of turning out at the Sydney Football Stadium on Saturday depend on how he responds to training later in the week.

The Waratahs mounting injury woes again claimed Phil Waugh, the captain picking up a nasty hamstring tear in the weekend loss to Queensland which will keep him out at least two weeks.

It is the third different injury for Waugh this season and the ageing warrior admits he is struggling to find a balance of how hard to push his body.

"It's extremely frustrating but it's a fine line and you've got to push yourself throughout your career all the time and sometimes you push yourself harder than the body can handle," Waugh said on Tuesday.

"Right at the end of the game, literally as I was about to come off, pretty much the last run (I did my hamstring).

"Unfortunately that's sport and I just need to recover as quickly as possible.

"It's fairly significant so it's just a matter of trying to rehab it as quick as possible and get back on the field ... it'll at least be a couple of weeks."

Australian representatives Drew Mitchell, Rob Horne and Wycliff Palu are also on the NSW injury list.

However in good news for the team, Wallabies hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau is on track to face the Rebels after a head knock forced him from the field against the Reds.

- AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, nsw, sydney-2000

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Tahs shift Beale to five-eighth for Blues

Updated June 20, 2011 16:41:00

New South Wales will call unheralded hooker Elvis Taione onto their bench and switch Kurtley Beale to fly half, as it loses three key players for Friday's Super Rugby qualifying final against the Blues in Auckland.

Wallabies hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau will miss the match with a knee problem and is to undergo an arthroscopy after struggling through Saturday's 41-7 win over the Brumbies.

Also adding to the Waratahs' already extensive injury absentee list are fly half Daniel Halangahu (hamstring) and prop Al Baxter (head knock).

With Baxter, Polota-Nau and Sekope Kepu all sidelined, New South Wales coach Chris Hickey is again looking to the Sydney club ranks to fortify his diminishing front row stocks.

Taione is expected to be named on the bench with John Ulugia promoted to start in place of Polota-Nau.

Jeremy Tilse and Paddy Ryan are vying for the vacant prop starting position.

With Halangahu injured, Hickey confirmed Beale would switch from full-back to fly half.

With the Waratahs other main playmaker Berrick Barnes already ruled out for the remainder of the Super Rugby campaign, Hickey may again have to raid the club ranks or possibly contemplating using back-up half-back Josh Holmes as an alternative playmaker.

The Waratahs head to New Zealand on Tuesday.

- AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, nsw, sydney-2000, new-zealand

First posted June 20, 2011 16:34:00

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