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The Waratahs have named their man to replace Israel Folau

Israel Folau. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Kurtley Beale can stake a claim to the Wallabies’ fullback spot at the World Cup after being handed the NSW Waratahs No.15 jersey vacated by Israel Folau.

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With the rugby future of incumbent Test fullback Folau in doubt as he awaits his code of conduct hearing, utility Beale has been challenged to showcase his skills at the back for the rest of the Super Rugby season.

He will start there in the Waratahs’ crucial clash with Australian conference leaders Melbourne Rebels at the SCG on Saturday.

It’s a familiar job for Beale, who made his name in international rugby as fullback, earning nomination for World Player of the Year in 2010 and playing the 2011 World Cup there before becoming the regular inside centre.

“It’s a real opportunity for (Beale) to step up in a position as we know he can and really try and own that position for the next nine games,'” Tahs coach Daryl Gibson said on Thursday.

While Folau’s strengths were aerial skills and try-scoring instinct, Gibson relished unleashing sharp counter-attacker Beale’s attributes at fullback.

“He has a strong kicking game and a real nice tactical appreciation,” Gibson said.

“So we will be looking to see what he can bring that position and allow him that freedom to play the way he wants to play.”

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Folau is facing the sack by Rugby Australia and NSW Rugby after being charged with a high-level code of conduct breach over controversial social media posts.

“I certainly support any player that takes up their right (to a code of conduct hearing) and the code of conduct is what it is,” Gibson said.

If Beale excels consistently at fullback he will likely vie with Rebels star Dane Haylett-Petty for the Wallabies No.15 jersey, with Brumbies speedster Tom Bank another contender.

Gibson admitted the Folau saga was a significant distraction in the past week but believed his players were ready to perform well.

“On-field is a real sanctuary for the players and what I have seen from Monday and Tuesday (training sessions) is a release of a lot of energy that has been built up and some really good quality stuff,” Gibson said.

With Beale at fullback, veteran pair Karmichael Hunt and Adam Ashley-Cooper remain in the centres.

Jed Holloway returns at lock for the injured Ned Hanigan and captain Michael Hooper returns at openside flanker after being rested for the last-start loss to the Blues.

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Waratahs: 15. Kurtley Beale, 14. Cam Clark, 13. Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12. Karmichael Hunt, 11. Alex Newsome, 10. Bernard Foley, 9. Jake Gordon, 8. Michael Wells, 7. Michael Cooper (capt), 6. Jack Dempsey, 5. Rob Simmons, 4. Jed Holloway, 3. Sekope Kepu, 2. Damien Fitzpatrick, 1. Harry Johnson-Holmes

Reserves: 16. Andrew Tuala, 17. Rory O’Connor, 18. Chris Talakai, 19. Tom Staniforth, 20. Will Miller, 21. Nick Phipps, 22. Lalakai Foketi, 23. Curtis Rona

AAP

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Nickers 27 minutes ago
Scott Robertson responds to criticism over All Blacks' handling errors

I thought we made a lot of progress against that type of defence by the WC last year. Lots of direct running and punching holes rather than using width. Against that type of defence I think you have to be looking to kick on first phase when you have front foot ball which we did relatively successfully. We are playing a lot of rugby behind the gain line at the moment. They are looking for those little interchanges for soft shoulders and fast ball or off loads but it regularly turns into them battering away with slow ball and going backwards, then putting in a very rushed kick under huge pressure.


JB brought that dimension when he first moved into 12 a couple of years ago but he's definitely not been at his best this year. I don't know if it is because he is being asked to play a narrow role, or carrying a niggle or two, but he does not look confident to me. He had that clean break on the weekend and stood there like he was a prop who found himself in open space and didn't know what to do with the ball. He is still a good first phase ball carrier though, they use him a lot off the line out to set up fast clean ball, but I don't think anyone is particularly clear on what they are supposed to do at that point. He was used really successfully as a second playmaker last year but I don't think he's been at that role once this year. He is a triple threat player but playing a very 1 dimensional role at the moment. He and Reiko have been absolutely rock solid on defence which is why I don't think there will be too much experimentation or changes there.

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