SYDNEY (Reuters) – Utility back Kurtley Beale was called into the Wallabies squad for next week’s Rugby Championship test against the All Blacks on Thursday as coach Dave Rennie continued to look to proven campaigners to supplement younger talent.
The 33-year-old, who last played for his country at fullback against England in Australia’s final test of 2021, joins the squad after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained playing club rugby in France.
Lock Rory Arnold was absent from the 36-man party named for the back-to-back tests against New Zealand in Melbourne and Auckland, however, as he awaits the birth of his first child.
Cadeyrn Neville, who has recovered from a knee injury, was called up in Arnold’s place in the only other change from the squad that split two-test series with both Argentina and world champions South Africa.
Both flyhalf Noah Lolesio and centre Hunter Paisami were included despite being doubts for next Thursday’s first test after sustaining concussions in the 24-8 loss to the Springboks in Sydney last weekend.
Beale’s versatility means he would offer an option in the centres should Paisami be ruled out, while 33-year-old Bernard Foley could be in line for his first test in three years if Lolesio is unavailable.
“It’s great to be able to keep the core of our group together and welcome Cadeyrn back to the mob,” Rennie said in a news release.
“Kurtley is a welcome return to the squad after recovering from a long-term injury and will bring his passion for the jersey along with his wealth of experience at test level.”
The home-and-way tests against the All Blacks could go a long way to deciding the tight race for the Rugby Championship title but also double as this year’s Bledisloe Cup series. Australia have not held the latter trophy for two decades.
“We know how important these next two tests are with silverware on the line and we’ll be expecting a response after the disappointment of last weekend’s loss,” Rennie added.
Forwards – Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Pone Fa’amausili, Folau Fainga’a, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Jed Holloway, Rob Leota, Lachlan Lonergan, Fraser McReight, Matt Philip, Dave Porecki, Cadeyrn Neville, Pete Samu, Scott Sio, James Slipper, Darcy Swain, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Harry Wilson
Backs – Kurtley Beale, Jock Campbell, Lalakai Foketi, Bernard Foley, Jake Gordon, Reece Hodge, Len Ikitau, Andrew Kellaway, Marika Koroibete, Noah Lolesio, Tate McDermott, Hunter Paisami, Jordan Petaia, Suliasi Vunivalu, Nic White, Tom Wright
(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, editing by Peter Rutherford)
