Michael Cheika is banking on Kurtley Beale to inspire Australia’s flat-lining attack when their Rugby World Cup campaign goes on the line against England.

While Jordan Petaia’s selection at outside centre for Saturday’s quarter-final has hogged attention, there was widespread surprise when Beale’s name was unveiled at fullback ahead of Dane Haylett-Petty.

Not only has Beale spent the week recovering from a head knock that forced him off against Georgia last Friday, the veteran’s form has been modest through the pool phase and even in the lead-up to the tournament.

The reliable Haylett-Petty was a standout at fullback against Wales but Cheika said he trusted Beale to unearth some X-factor when the Wallabies most need it.

His selection and that of Petaia ahead of James O’Connor are the solutions to the “problem out the back” the coaching staff had identified by the end of the pool phase.

Tournament statistics show Australia’s total of 627 runs across four games is considerably more than any team underlining their commitment to keeping ball in hand.

Ireland are next on 559 while New Zealand’s 459 runs through three games still has them trailing the Wallabies on average.

Yet Australia’s line break tally of 48 ranks as a scant return. At 12 breaks per game, they are ranked ninth of the 20 teams and average half the breaks made by leaders New Zealand.

Aside from dynamic pair Marika Koroibete and Samu Kerevi, Cheika’s men have been effectively running into brick walls, prompting the selectors to act.

“I think we all know the unpredictability of game that Beale can bring,” Cheika said.

“I know it was a tough decision but all of them are when it comes to this stage. I’m a big believer in Beale, I know what he can bring to the game.”

Cheika singled out Haylett-Petty as one of the unluckiest omissions but said he found it breaking the news to all eight squad members who will watch from the stand.