World class Beale a perfect 10
Kurtley Beale quelled the Wallabies’ flyhalf concerns with a polished performance against the Pumas in Rosario on Saturday.
The talented utility back was the most influential player on the park as he exhibited composure, kicked well and was sublime on attack in difficult conditions, creating a brilliant try for Digby Ioane.
Beale’s showing completed a remarkable turnaround from struggling replacement to a player who guided his team to an unlikely victory in the number 10 jersey.
Beale received plaudits from coach Robbie Deans and centre Ben Tapuai, who was a dummy runner in the lead up to Ioane's try.
"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."
Deans said Beale and scrumhalf Nick Phipps combined well behind a pack that fronted up well against the physical Argentine forwards.
"Kurtley was very good," Deans said. "He's a class act."
Beale will surely retain the flyhalf starting berth for the third Bledisloe Cup Test in Brisbane on October 20, where a similar showing could see him cement himself in the pivotal role ahead of the injured James O'Connor and Quade Cooper.
Prop Ben Alexander said the team took a major step in the right direction by overcoming their underdog status and a passionate home crowd.
"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."
