Kurtley Beale’s seamless transition to inside centre for the NSW Waratahs makes him an ideal candidate to switch to the No.12 for the Wallabies, according to teammate Adam Ashley-Cooper.
By playing second fiddle in the playmaking department, Ashley-Cooper says Beale brings the eye and skill of a five-eighth, without the pressures that come with directing a team around the park.
Beale has played the majority of his international and Super Rugby career at fullback or five-eighth, but has excelled so far this season in his move to the midfield.
With Israel Folau and Quade Cooper unlikely to be budged from No.15 and 10 respectively in the Wallabies backline, coach Ewen McKenzie may see Beale as the perfect foil at inside centre.
“Potentially, absolutely,” Ashley-Cooper told AAP.
‘What’s best about KB and why he’s performing so well at 12 is because he understands the demands and what’s required at 12 from being a 10.
“The guy is a great football player. He’s creative and unpredictable in his skill and that’s everything you need.
“I think 12 has suited his style because it’s allowed him to (get away from) the stress that there is at 10 being a director of the team.
“He hasn’t had that weight on his shoulders.”
Brumbies playmakers Christian Leali’ifano and Matt Toomua shared No.12 duties on the successful Spring Tour, which Beale was ruled out from as he underwent a shoulder reconstruction.
Ashley-Cooper says Beale will now re-enter the frame for selection having reinvented himself as an attacking force in his return to NSW.
With the Waratahs on a bye week, Ashley-Cooper will spend Saturday at Bondi Beach giving blood to the Red Cross and encouraging young men to donate.
One of the most versatile players in Australian rugby says he’s appreciated Waratahs coach Michael Cheika giving him a sustained run at outside centre.
He believes it’s up to the Waratahs to manage expectations as a team, but Ashley-Cooper isn’t about to hold back in his assessment of Folau’s standing in the international game.
“I think he’s made a bit of a claim already to being one of the best players in the world,” he said.
“He’s an absolute talented freak.”