Nathan Charles to make Wallabies debut as coach shakes up backline
Kurtley Beale replaces club-mate Bernard Foley at fly-half for opening clash against New Zealand
Coach Ewen McKenzie has shaken up Australia’s backline by returning Kurtley Beale to fly-half and throwing rookie hooker Nathan Charles into the starting side for their opening Rugby Championship match against New Zealand in Sydney on Saturday.
Beale, who played inside centre for Super Rugby champions Waratahs, has replaced his New South Wales team-mate Bernard Foley in the pivotal position for the Wallabies, who face an All Blacks side riding a 17-match winning streak.
Foley had been the Wallabies’ starting fly-half in their 3-0 series sweep of France in June with Beale coming off the bench, but the latter’s greater test experience had been a factor in his return to the first 15, McKenzie said.
Bernard hasn’t put a foot wrong since we chose him in June, but Kurtley has really stepped up his game and he’s consistently been one of the Waratahs’ best players every week
“Bernard hasn’t put a foot wrong since we chose him in June, but Kurtley has really stepped up his game over the past few months and he’s consistently been one of the Waratahs’ best players every week,” McKenzie said in a statement from the team.
“He’ll bring some additional x-factor to our game. We feel that will suit our two-playmaker framework and ensure we have the right balance in those positions along with Matt Toomua.
“Kurtley’s also an experienced guy who has played 42 tests, so he will enjoy the added responsibility of wearing the number 10 jersey.”
McKenzie has also moved Adam Ashley-Cooper to centre with Pat McCabe taking his slot on the right wing.