Wallabies dump boozy Beale
Wallaby back Kurtley Beale is under formal investigation by the Australian Rugby Union and has been dumped from the team.
This follows a bust-up with a team official on a flight from South Africa to Argentina.
The utility back, with a long history of alcohol-fuelled indiscretions, was left out of the team to play the Pumas at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, in Mendoza, on Saturday.
Beale was involved in a heated verbal argument with Wallabies business manager Di Patston during the team's 10-hour flight from Johannesburg to Sao Paulo this past Sunday, Fairfax Media reported.
Reports said the incident, which has been referred to the Australian Rugby Union's integrity unit for investigation, culminated in Patston's departure from Buenos Aires two days' later.
A Wallabies spokesman confirmed team members had consumed some drinks after their 10-28 loss to the Springboks last Saturday, but would not say if the argument directly involved alcohol.
The incident took place in the early stages of the flight between Johannesburg and Sao Paulo.
Beale was left out of the match-day squad, after coming off the bench against South Africa last week.
"We're aware of an alleged incident involving Wallabies player Kurtley Beale on a flight from South Africa to Brazil on Sunday," an ARU spokesperson told the Daily Telegraph.
"The matter has been referred by team management to the Australian Rugby Union's Integrity team to be investigated according to our usual processes.
"This investigation will ensure all parties have an opportunity to present all relevant facts, before any assessment of the alleged incident can be reached. We expect the investigation will be completed by the end of next week.
"We can confirm that a Wallabies staff member has left the team to return to Australia."
Coach Ewen McKenzie spoke to journalists with the Wallabies team in Mendoza and said the situation was "complicated".
"A staff member's flown home but I'm not going to comment on the detail of that," McKenzie said.
"Matters of integrity, you've actually got to protect the people involved until there is some sort of decision. So there's processes going on and, as I say, it's awkward when you're [on the other side of the world].
"But welfare and these matters are paramount from my perspective, and behaviour, you already know how I've done these things in the past. I don't leave these things unattended to."
McKenzie subsequently left Beale out of his match-day 23-man squad to face the Pumas, saying that he was adding an extra forward to his reserves bench, which had left no room for the utility back.
Beale's 47-Test career has been dogged by a succession of off-field problems and last year the 25-year-old was forced to undergo counselling and rehabilitation for his struggles with alcohol.
The playmaker is off contract for next season and has yet to agree on a new deal with the ARU.
McKenzie made two changes to their starting line-up for Saturday's final Rugby Championship clash against Argentina.
Reds lock Rob Simmons (concussion) has been ruled out of the encounter and will be replaced by provincial teammate James Horwill in the starting XV.
The other change sees Rebels back row forward Scott Higginbotham earn his place in the No.8 jersey, with Ben McCalman unavailable after injuring his shoulder in Australia's Test against South Africa at the weekend.
Brumbies centre Matt Toomua also completed concussion protocols and will take his place in an unchanged backline.
"Rob plays a significant role in the team as our chief line-out caller, so it's disappointing to lose him, but we're confident in the abilities of James and are looking forward to seeing him step up in this area," McKenzie said.
"Scott has been working hard and looking for an opportunity in the starting side for some time. With the injury to Ben, he now gets his chance.
"He's got unique athletic ability for a big guy, and that will be important against an Argentinean side which has made major strides forward with their defence during this year's tournament."
A number of changes have also been made on the bench with McKenzie opting for a forward-heavy six-two split.
It boasts four new faces in the forwards, including two potential debutants in back row forward Jake Schatz and hooker Josh Mann-Rea.
It also sees lock Will Skelton and back row forward Matt Hodgson return to the side.
"We recognise the need to have enough strike-power in the forwards to get us through the back-end of the game, especially after such a physical encounter against South Africa followed by a difficult period of travel," McKenzie said.
"That only leaves two spots for the backs, and we believe in this instance the combination of Nic White and Rob Horne will provide us with the best balance given the physicality we expect in this match.
"In the end, we feel the combination of the entire bench will offer us the vigour and intensity we need in attack and defence in the later stages of the game."
Australia: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Matt Toomua, 11 Joe Tomane, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Scott Higginbotham, 7 Michael Hooper (captain), 6 Scott Fardy, 5 James Horwill, 4 Sam Carter, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Saia Fainga'a, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Josh Mann-Rea, 17 Benn Robinson, 18 Ben Alexander, 19 Will Skelton, 20 Jake Schatz, 21 Matt Hodgson, 22 Nic White, 23 Rob Horne.
Date: Saturday, October 4
Venue: Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza
Kick-off: 19.40 (22.20 GMT, 09.40, Sunday, October 5 AEST)
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Assistant referees: Craig Joubert (South Africa), Leighton Hodges (Wales)
TMO: Deon van Blommestein (South Africa)
