All Blacks fullback expects Kurtley Beale to provide Wallabies' X-factor
Wallabies star Kurtley Beale has got the same X-factor as Israel Folau and will pose a similar threat in Saturday night's Bledisloe Cup clash in Perth, according to All Blacks back Ben Smith.
Folau's messy exit from the Wallabies left Australia with a massive hole to fill at fullback.
Tom Banks was solid in the 35-17 loss to the Springboks in South Africa last month, but it was Beale's performance in the No.15 jersey a week later that really caught the eye of the All Blacks.
Beale is expected to retain the role at fullback for Saturday's clash at Optus Stadium, and Smith said his team were aware of the danger the 30-year-old presents.
"He (Folau) is a world-class player ... but Kurtley Beale has got that same X-factor, and he's a quality player too," Smith said.
"Kurtley Beale is pretty dangerous. He has a good sidestep."
The Wallabies haven't held the Bledisloe Cup since 2002, but Smith doesn't think the All Blacks hold a psychological edge over Australia.
"The past doesn't matter," he said.
"Whoever turns up on Saturday and plays the best footy will give themselves the best chance to get the Bledisloe."
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen experimented heavily with his squad in the 20-16 win over Argentina and 16-16 draw with South Africa.
But he's promised to unleash a full-strength side in Perth as the team ramps up preparations for the upcoming World Cup.
Hansen is expected to persist with flyhalf Beauden Barrett at fullback, with Richie Mo'unga set to retain the No.10 jersey to give the All Blacks a dual playmaking option.
- AAP
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Forget the 85kg bit, that can become something else. However I do like the one off test on ANZAC day idea. SR plays Fri/ Sat, test players travel Sunday and the squads have the full week together before playing Saturday. Rest of SR has a week off. Either involve women's teams in same location or in the other country and rotate annually. Herbert is right in that change is needed.
Go to commentsReally Rugbypass? Ben Smith I think you forgot what the Springboks did to the All Blacks at Twickenham 8 weeks earlier? Springboks 35 All Blacks 7. There is alot of ifs and buts in your article. The All Blacks threw the sink at the Springboks and unfortunately they were not good enough regardless if they played with 14 men or not. It was the Springboks who forced the All Blacks to make mistakes! Sorry but not Sorry the Springboks is the best ever Rugby World Cup Nation in the world. 4 Cups baby!
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