Share

Beale added to Oz squad

accreditation
Kurtley Beale (AFP)
Kurtley Beale (AFP)
Caloundra - James Horwill will captain Australia in the Test series against the British and Irish Lions and troubled back Kurtley Beale has also made the final squad, the Australian Rugby Union said on Monday.

Horwill, the Reds lock who was Australia's 2011 Tri-Nations-winning skipper, returns to the captaincy after a hamstring injury last year ruled him out of the entire Test season.

Beale, who has been undergoing rehabilitation for alcohol problems, was among the final six additions who completed the Wallabies' 31-strong squad along with Hugh McMeniman, Digby Ioane, Pat McCabe, Peter Kimlin and Scott Sio.

Beale's versatility at fullback and flyhalf won his place ahead of Quade Cooper, who was omitted from coach Robbie Deans' initial, 25-man squad and failed to win his place back in the Reds' 22-12 loss to the Lions on Saturday.

Four uncapped players were named in the squad to take on the Lions, a combined British and Irish side which tours once every four years, in three Tests in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney on June 22, June 29 and July 6.

Deans said he had no concerns about Beale's physical state or mental well-being ahead of the high-pressure series, despite his limited on-field preparation as he has attended to his off-field problems.

While counselling for alcohol-related issues is continuing, Deans said he did not believe it would be a distraction for either Beale or the team.

Deans has been closely involved with the player through the counselling process and said he does not believe it is too soon for Beale to return to the national team set-up.

"We know what Kurtley is capable of in this arena. He showed that as recently as last year's European tour when he performed outstandingly and led the team from flyhalf in adverse circumstances against many of the opposition players we now face again," Deans said.

"His work last week during the first camp supported our contention that it was not too soon for him to get started again, from either a physical or a mental standpoint.

"His physical state is a testament, both to how hard he has worked, but also his desire to get started again."

Beale's selection followed Deans's decision on Sunday not to call up mercurial playmaker Cooper among his final six squad choices.

Melbourne Rebels scrum-half Luke Burgess, who recently returned home from French club rugby, and Queensland Reds hooker James Hanson will remain with the squad as training cover ahead of the first Test.

McCabe and McMeniman proved their fitness for selection during last weekend's Australian-only Super 15 round, while Beale and Ioane were all involved in some capacity during last week's preliminary squad training camp in Sydney.

Kimlin, who has been a mainstay for the ACT Brumbies this season, gained his call-up four years after playing the only two Tests of his career against Italy in 2009.

Uncapped Brumbies prop Scott Sio, in his first full Super Rugby season with the Australian conference winners, was the surprise inclusion among the six final picks. The powerful 21-year-old is the son of former Samoan prop Tevita Sio.

Deans, who watched the Brumbies play the Melbourne Rebels as well as the Reds versus the Lions last week, said the final squad selection had been further complicated by injuries to Brumbies scrumhalf Nic White and prop Dan Palmer.

Ioane's attendance at last week's training camp allowed medical staff to assess the progress on the rehabilitation of his right knee following surgery, clearing the way for his involvement.

Deans said the selection of McMeniman boosted the forward pack after the loss of the injured hard men Sitaleki Timani and Scott Higginbotham.

Australia squad:

Backs:

Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Kurtley Beale, Nick Cummins, Israel Folau, Will Genia, Rob Horne, Digby Ioane, Christian Leali'ifano, Pat McCabe, James O'Connor, Nick Phipps, Joe Tomane

Forwards:

Ben Alexander, Dave Dennis, Kane Douglas, Saia Fainga'a, Liam Gill, Michael Hooper, James Horwill (captain), Sekope Kepu, Peter Kimlin, Ben McCalman, Hugh McMeniman, Stephen Moore, Ben Mowen, Wycliff Palu, Benn Robinson, Rob Simmons, Scott Sio, James Slipper

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1230 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1423 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2161 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE