Beale dropped as Wallabies ring changes for Pumas

Beale dropped as Wallabies ring changes for Pumas

SYDNEY - Troubled star Kurtley Beale was Thursday left out of the Wallabies squad to face Argentina amid investigations over an inflight bust-up with a team official.

New South Wales Waratahs centre Kurtley Beale celebrates with teammates after defeating the Canterbury Crusaders in the Super 15 rugby union final in Sydney on August 2, 2014

Beale was allegedly involved in a heated verbal argument with Wallabies business manager Di Patston during the team's 10-hour flight from Johannesburg to Sao Paulo on Sunday, Fairfax Media reported.

Reports said the incident, which has been referred to the Australian Rugby Union's integrity unit for investigation, culminated in Patston's departure from Buenos Aires two days' later.

Beale's name was missing from the 23-man match-day squad as the Wallabies also made two injury-enforced changes to face the Pumas in Mendoza on Saturday.

Lock Rob Simmons was ruled out with the effects of concussion suffered in last week's 28-10 loss to South Africa in Cape Town and he has been replaced by Queensland Reds teammate James Horwill.

Melbourne Rebels backrower Scott Higginbotham came in at No.8 for Ben McCalman, who injured his shoulder against the Springboks.

Coach Ewen McKenzie said he was adding an extra forward to his bench, which left no room for utility back Beale.

"We're aware of an alleged incident involving Wallabies player Kurtley Beale on a flight from South Africa to Brazil on Sunday," an ARU spokesperson told the Daily Telegraph.

"The matter has been referred by team management to the Australian Rugby Union's Integrity team to be investigated according to our usual processes.

"This investigation will ensure all parties have an opportunity to present all relevant facts, before any assessment of the alleged incident can be reached. We expect the investigation will be completed by the end of next week.

"We can confirm that a Wallabies staff member has left the team to return to Australia."

Beale's 47-Test career has been dogged by a succession of off-field problems and last year the 25-year-old was forced to undergo counselling and rehabilitation for his struggles with alcohol.

The NSW Waratahs playmaker is out-of-contract for next season and has yet to agree on a new deal with the ARU.

- 'Disappointing' -

McKenzie said the loss of Simmons and McCalman were blows, but he had adequate replacements in Horwill and Higginbotham.

"Rob (Simmons) plays a significant role in the team as our chief lineout caller, so it's disappointing to lose him, but we're confident in the abilities of James (Horwill) and are looking forward to seeing him step up in this area," McKenzie said.

"Scott Higginbotham has been working hard and looking for an opportunity in the starting side for some time.

"With the injury to Ben McCalman he now gets his chance.

"He's got unique athletic ability for a big guy, and that will be important against an Argentinian side which has made major strides forward with their defence during this year's tournament."

There will be four new faces among the reserve forwards, including two potential debutants in backrower Jake Schatz and hooker Josh Mann-Rea.

Giant lock Will Skelton and backrower Matt Hodgson also return to the side. Skelton and Schatz only joined the squad as cover this week.

"We recognise the need to have enough strike-power in the forwards to get us through the back-end of the game, especially after such a physical encounter against South Africa followed by a difficult period of travel," McKenzie said.

"That only leaves two spots for the backs, and we believe in this instance the combination of Nic White and Rob Horne will provide us with the best balance given the physicality we expect in this match."

Australia (15-1) - Israel Folau; Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tevita Kuridrani, Matt Toomua, Joe Tomane; Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps; Scott Higginbotham, Michael Hooper (capt), Scott Fardy; James Horwill, Sam Carter; Sekope Kepu, Saia Fainga’a, James Slipper

Replacements: Josh Mann-Rea, Benn Robinson, Ben Alexander, Will Skelton, Jake Schatz, Matt Hodgson, Nic White, Rob Horne.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT