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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Football - What Makes It So Special

Slade makes shaky start in Carter's place

Updated October 02, 2011 22:07:08

Colin Slade made a nervous start after being thrust into the spotlight as replacement for New Zealand's star fly half Dan Carter in the 79-15 win against Canada on Sunday, turning in an error-strewn performance before hobbling off injured.

With the All Blacks still reeling from news that Carter will miss the rest of the World Cup with a serious groin injury picked up at training on Saturday, Slade found himself promoted from understudy to New Zealand's main playmaker.

Slade, playing his 10th Test, received an early confidence boost when he set up New Zealand's first try in the sixth minute in Wellington, bursting through Canada's defence and floating a beautifully-weighted 20-metre pass to Zac Guildford, the winger scoring in the corner.

But things went downhill from there for the 23-year-old as he threw some sloppy passes as first receiver, one of which almost resulted in an intercept try.

Slade also had a forgettable match with the boot, missing three of seven conversion attempts and a penalty before he was moved to the wing early in the second half to make way for Piri Weepu at fly half.

While 54-Test veteran Weepu, who normally plays half-back, looked comfortable in the playmaker role, albeit against a wilting Canadian team, Slade's cameo on the wing lasted little more than 10 minutes before he hobbled off in the 64th minute.

Weepu slotted home all four of his conversion attempts, including a difficult sideline effort, as well as setting up the last of Guildford's four tries in the 77th minute and Vito's second shortly after.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry has another fly half option in Aaron Cruden, who was called into the squad after Carter's injury.

Slade is seen as the more traditional fly half, with a solid kicking and defensive game, while Cruden, who has only six Test caps, possesses more attacking flair.

However, Henry indicated before the match that he may prefer a no-frills playmaker in Carter's absence, saying Slade and Cruden will need to "work within boundaries that are possible".

"If you've only been out there half a dozen times, it's not so intuitive, so you need to spend the time making sure the clarity's right, and maybe a wee bit more simple, so the menu's not too large it becomes overwhelming," Henry said.

Whether he believes Slade can offer that solidity after Sunday's display remains to be seen.

AFP

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

First posted October 02, 2011 22:04:54

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Broncos' Kemp makes code switch

Posted April 14, 2011 13:43:00

Brisbane Broncos winger Denan Kemp has signed a short-term contract with the Australian Rugby Union to switch codes and he could make his international Sevens debut in the IRB World Series next month.

A week after being left devastated when negotiations fell through with Super Rugby newcomers Melbourne Rebels - who have since signed Wallabies star Kurtley Beale - Kemp will head to Sydney on Sunday to join Michael O'Connor's Australian Sevens squad.

"I'll tour with them (the Sevens squad) to places like Dubai, Scotland, London while I learn the game," Kemp said.

"We're in talks with other Super 15 clubs at the moment to get a head start on the next year."

Meanwhile, Kemp dismissed rumours of any bad blood with Broncos forward Josh McGuire, who broke his nose while playing for Norths during a Queensland Cup match at the weekend.

McGuire fronts the Queensland Rugby League judiciary on Thursday night on a grade one striking charge.

Kemp, playing for Wynnum Manly pulled McGuire down in a try-saving tackle 10 metres out from his line.

As he fought to get to his feet for a quick play-the-ball, McGuire lashed out, striking Kemp in the face.

McGuire, who has carry-over points, could miss up to two NRL matches if found guilty of the striking charge.

- AAP

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