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'Showed us up a bit': World Cup hopeful stars for Tahs in cross-code training session
By Finn Morton
St George Dragons prop Aaron Woods has highlighted a Wallabies World Cup hopeful for showing “us up a bit” during an ambitious cross-code training on Monday.
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Former New South Wales Blues prop Woods was among a talented list of rugby league stars to travel to Waratahs HQ for the intriguing opposed session.
The Waratahs mixed up their pre-season program against another side with plenty to prove in 2023, as they went head-to-head in both union and league.
While the Dragons’ attempt at a lineout was less than flash, both teams clearly took a lot of positives out of the session.
Woods said the experience “was really fun” and enjoyable for the Dragons, as he praised 95-test veteran Kurtley Beale for his performance.
“It was good fun today,” Woods said, as reported by Fox Sports.
“They were just different. The games and the styles are different.
“I think the first game we played was the union one and we didn’t adapt to the rules and it took us a while to get going because we were going back 10 metres and you only had to go back one.
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“They played to their strengths, and I think Kurtley Beale showed us up a bit there.
“They are both different toughness and fitness, but it was really fun and we really enjoyed it actually.”
Waratahs coach Darren Coleman said “there aren’t many better” than a fit and healthy Beale, after the experienced campaigner starred in the session.
Utility back Beale has hit the ground running after returning to Australian shores, as the 33-year-old looks to stake his claim for a fourth World Cup appearance.
As reported last week, a stunning Wallabies recall during last year’s end-of-season tour “reignited the fire” for Beale to play international rugby.
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After a few decorated years plying his trade with French powerhouse Racing 92, Beale is back in Sydney for his fourth stint with boyhood club the Waratahs.
The Wallabies had an injury-ravaged campaign this year, which failed to answer a number of questions ahead of next year’s World Cup.
More than 50 players donned Wallaby gold this year, but Australia’s first-choice fullback is still seemingly unknown – although Tom Banks can be considered a strong candidate.
But Coleman, who is preparing for his second season in charge of the Tahs, believes Beale can be “right in the mix” for the No. 15 jersey “if he has a good Super Rugby season.”
“That No. 15 jersey is really open, and if he has a good Super Rugby season he’s right in the mix,” Coleman said, as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald.
“It’s the fittest I’ve seen him in a while, and he wouldn’t have done a pre-season for eight or nine years (because) he’s either been with the Wallabies or ‘bludging’ in France.
“He’s down to his fighting weight, he’s down to 92kg or 93kg, he looks good with his shirt off, and with all the Wallabies away at the moment, he is a really good leader to have in eh group.
“If Kurtley is in the right frame of mind and he’s fit, there aren’t many better.”
As it does every year, the Super Rugby season will undoubtedly creep up on us all following the festival season.
The Waratahs kick-off their Super Rugby campaign against rivals the Brumbies at Allianz Stadium on February 24.
