Force-ful boost as Beale returns for Super finals push
Murray Wenzel |
Kurtley Beale will start at fullback for the Western Force in the 36-year-old’s injury comeback as the Perth squad plots an Auckland upset.
The 95-Test Wallabies talent was on the cusp of an international recall when he hurt his achilles playing club rugby in Sydney last June.
Ahead of the British and Irish Lions tour, he’ll put himself back on the radar for what would be a remarkable Test return when the Force look to hold on to a top-six spot against the battling Blues at Eden Park on Friday.
The Blues (17 points), last year’s runaway Super Rugby Pacific champions, are ninth with a 3-7 record.
But they would draw level on points with the Force (4-1-5) with a bonus-point win in round 12 at their traditional fortress.
Force skipper Jeremy Williams is also back at lock, while cagey halfback Nic White will come off the bench after missing last week’s loss to the Chiefs with concussion.
The Waratahs, sitting in seventh place, have also reloaded for their clutch contest against the ACT Brumbies.
Captain and halfback Jake Gordon will start in his comeback from a knee injury suffered in round two.
Props Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou, as well as flanker Rob Leota are back from an enforced rest, while Langi Gleeson will wear the No.8.
The Waratahs can do their own finals hopes wonders, and strike a blow to the Brumbies’ chances of a top-four finish, with a victory in Canberra on Saturday.
“It’s a big boost for the group to get our captain and leader back, especially in a big game like this,” Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said.
“They (Tupou, Bell and Leota) have freshened up and they’ve been bouncing around the building this week.
“They’re keen and excited to get back on the field and contribute.”
Rory Scott swaps in for Luke Reimer at flanker in the Brumbies’ only change to the starting side that was upset by the Hurricanes.
The Reds will attempt to strike the right balance in Suva, with key trio Tom Lynagh, Josh Canham and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto all named on the bench to face the Fijian Drua.
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips will start in the No.10 instead of Lynagh, while Ryan Smith and Angus Blyth will be the starting locks.
George Blake, injured when coming on at hooker last weekend, joined Josh Nasser and Matt Faessler on the sidelines to offer Max Craig a potential Super Rugby debut off the bench.
The Reds are fourth and have away games against the Drua, Waratahs and Brumbies in coming weeks.
AAP
