VIDEO: Waratahs' badboy combo
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallaby Kurtly Beale seems to be extremely excited about the potential midfield partnership with Karmichael Hunt at the Waratahs.
Beale missed the Waratahs’ first Super Rugby match of the season, however, his spot was successfully filled by Hunt.
The 32-year-old Hunt, axed from the Reds following drug possession charges, produced a solid performance at inside centre during the Waratahs’ narrow 19-20 defeat to the Hurricanes.
Despite the solid performance, Beale’s return along with Adam Ashley-Cooper’s head-knock will see new Waratahs’ utility back move to No.13 making space for Beale at inside-centre – a prospect the Waratahs’ regular No.12 is extremely excited about.
“K [Karmicheal Hunt] had a really great game at the weekend, and really laid that platform to gain the advantage,” Beale said.
“And his defence was pretty special as well. It’s great to have that competition in among this group.
“He just has a really good head on his shoulders on how to read the game, so he can even pop into first five there. We are very lucky to have him.
“No doubt he can slot into 15 or 13 at any time.
“It is a really big advantage for us to have guys who can play all over the park. It is a bit of strength for us and it’s great that Daryl can have those players all on the field at the same time, to take advantage of that. We could use that as an advantage.”
This was the frist time Beale addressed the meadia since the Wallabies star was shown in leaked footage that appeared to also contain drugs on two occastions.
The first video showed Beale with rugby league player Corey Norman, and also showed an elderly man to snort a line of white powder. Beale was seen to laugh in the background.
The second video showed Beale playing a vacuum cleaner like a didgeridoo before showing a plate held by another person, which contained white lines of powder.
The negative headlines and controversy have not affected Beale’s focus ahead of the Super Rugby season, he said.
“My mindset is pretty clear at the moment. That was a matter that was dealt with by Rugby Australia and Raelene, I have spoken to them and I have apologised at the time,” he said.
“Now my full focus is on the Waratahs and adding my bit to a successful campaign.”
The Waratahs take on the Sunwolves in Japan on Saturday.
Source: @rugby365com & @rugbycomau
