A modest Kurtley Beale dismissed his big try-saving tackle on Reds winger Chris Feauai-Sautia as lucky and has resisted temptation to take a swipe at critics of his defence.
Waratahs' five-eighth Beale brought Allianz Stadium patrons to their feet with his massive front-on hit that stopped Feauai-Sautia and the visitors from making inroads into an 8-0 deficit, in the opening round of Super Rugby.
NSW captain Michael Hooper hailed it as a potential game-changing moment and coach Daryl Gibson joined the chorus of praise.
Beale has frequently been lauded for his polished attacking skills, but sometimes criticised for his defence.
"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and everyone has got their own thoughts," Beale said on Monday when asked about that criticism.
"I put myself in a position to be able to make a tackle and I was very fortunate to be able to make that tackle.
"I think every player goes out there to be able to stop tries and I'm no different. I was very lucky in the end to put that shot on."
He has been cleared of a head knock and is a confirmed starter for Friday's big early season showdown in Canberra with the Brumbies.
Beale is playing five-eighth while Wallabies star Bernard Foley is injured, but isn't making any public claim for a permanent run in that position.
"My focus is trying to do my job for the team and steer the ship around as much as I can and just get the job done," Beale said.
"Bernard is out injured at the moment and he's coming along pretty well, so no doubt I'm sure his presence back in the team will have a huge positive effect on the way we want to play the game."
Beale said the Brumbies should start favourites on Friday, but felt a win would set up his team's season.
"I think it will go a long way for us achieving our goals," Beale said.
"We play this week and then we've got a bye the next, so if we can go into the bye with two wins up, then we've achieved our first goal."
Beale felt the Waratahs' rivalry with the Brumbies superseded the more traditional one with the Reds.
"Over the last couple of years I think the Brumbies and Waratahs clashes have probably become more important than any other rivalries," Beale said.
"I think the reason why there is that rivalry is there is because we think they are probably the best team in the conference and they do have a quality outfit."
