Kurtley Beale's dazzling form is inspiring the Wallabies' backline to greater heights, says winger Henry Speight.
And that inspiration is sorely needed as Australia get set to take on Argentina in Canberra on Saturday night, with a win needed to avoid the Wallabies worst-ever start to the Rugby Championship.
The 28-year-old Beale has been a shining light in an otherwise dismal year for Australian rugby.
Beale's return from the UK, where he was the premiership's highest-paid player at Wasps, has seen him take his game to new heights in the gold jersey.
"He's unreal at the moment," Speight told AAP.
"A lot of that is rubbing off on me and I'm sure it is on a lot of players.
"Just his energy, the vibe he brings to the group and the keenness to improve and to work on his game is something that I'm really taking a lot out of.
"I'm pretty sure I'm not alone in that."
The Wallabies gave up a 10-point lead to draw with South Africa in Perth last weekend making the pressure for a victory over the the Pumas palpable, especially after they kicked off the tournament with two losses to the All Blacks.
Speight says the team is desperate to erase the sour taste left by the agonising tie with the Springboks.
"It is a crucial game in our calendar and also in how we stand in the championship," he said.
While Beale has been impressive, Speight is another player in good touch after being awarded the Brumbies' player of the year during their Super Rugby season.
"I'm just thankful for the year I've had at the Brums and being able to repay the staff, the coaches and the team," he said.
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