Beale eager for Wallabies comeback outing

Kurtley Beale is raring to go for Australia’s opening Bledisloe Cup clash with New Zealand after three months out with a hamstring injury.

The versatile playmaker suffered the setback while playing for Wasps in the Premiership and he has since returned to his homeland to sign for the Waratahs.

That decision has put the 28-year-old back in the Wallabies set-up and he hopes to be involved from the start in his country’s first match of the Rugby Championship at ANZ Stadium on Saturday.

Asked how he felt ahead of the contest, Beale said: “Ready to go. It’s been a long time coming now. It’s great to be back and involved in the Wallabies.

“Obviously there’s a selection coming out soon so I’m doing everything I can to put my best foot forward to be in that matchday 23.

3 days til #BledisloeCup and we are so excited to rip in! #AUSvNZL pic.twitter.com/gxR8QZT6ei

— Wallabies (@wallabies) August 16, 2017

“There’s a lot of players out there putting their hands up for similar positions and it’s created a really good, healthy training environment, with everyone pushing each other to get a good, positive result on Saturday.

“Obviously everyone likes starting and I’m no different.”

Team-mate Israel Folau heaped praise on Beale, who will be looking to win his 61st international cap.

“Guys like KB, they don’t really come around too often,” said Folau.

“You want to try and make the most of playing alongside him. He is a special player. Everyone knows that. You give him the ball and he’s always going to create something out of nothing.

“I feel like we have a really great combination and it’s always exciting playing alongside KB. You just grow that extra leg, I feel. Not only myself but the rest of the guys in the team. When you know you have him beside you, it brings a lot more confidence to your game.”

The Wallabies have not won the Bledisloe Cup since 2002.