Best yet to come for Wallabies attack: Beale

Sun, Jun 10, 2018, 7:00 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
Kurtley Beale has lauded the influence of David Pocock on his return to the Wallabies. Beale raving it was like "Pocock had never left", as the Wallabies produced one of their best performances in recent years,

Australia's attack can only improve after the 18-9 win over Ireland in the first Test, according to star centre Kurtley Beale.

Beale was arguably the Wallabies' most dangerous player with ball in hand on Saturday, showing his class with a gliding run across field to set up the Israel Folau try which was eventually disallowed.

His combination with Bernard Foley made the Wallabies attack look far more potent than the Irish charge but Beale said the offensive output will only increase from here.

"I think across the park, combinations are key - especially when there is a short turnaround," he said.

"Passes started to stick a bit more throughout the game and guys started to feel more comfortable with how we wanted to play the game.

"This week will give us a bit more opportunity to go with a ball in hand approach and try to execute.Bernard Foley was solid for the Wallabies on Saturday night. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart WalmsleyAssistant coach Stephen Larkham, Foley and Beale were key drivers in the exit strategy which focused on cross field kicks to Israel Folau and Dane Haylett-Petty - the pair outpointing the aerial Irish challengers.

"Bernie Larkham has a bit of a say with Bernard and there are a group that gets together and tries to come up with a good plan to try and take on Ireland," Beale said.

"At Test match level Ireland are one of the best defensive teams in the world and for us to break there and exit well after points was crucial to try and keep building momentum in the game and release pressure.

"I think the intention was to stick to the game plan with those kicks was good but sometimes some of the execution was inconsistent.

"Using Izzy and Dane - two of the best in the world at aerial catching - it's always good to use that as a strength and to release pressure coming out of that end."

Haylett-Petty was also responsible for a critical try saver on Ireland's CJ Stander in the opening minutes of the second half, a moment which changed the momentum of the game.Dane Haylett-Petty and Israel Folau were superb in the air. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley"Massive - that was a key moment for the game," Beale said.

"Physicality at this level is so important and it's great to see our boys start from the get go, really put our bodies on the line and turn up in defence.

"That allowed us to get into the game and allowed us to play the game we wanted it to be played - no doubt that needs to continue next week."

Saturday's second Test presents a prime opportunity to capitalise on the momentum of the first Test win, which has delivered a fresh dose of positivity into the public discourse on rugby.

"We can only do so much," Beale said.

"We're aware if we win the way we did last night we will start to get that support back and we have all the confidence in the world that we can back each other, keep working hard together.

"We understand the job's not over yet and now it's time to recover and put ourselves in the best position to win."

The Wallabies face Ireland in the second of three June Tests in Melbourne on Saturday, kicking off at 8pm AEST, broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS and RUGBY.com.au radio. Buy tickets here.

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