Beale warns Irish to brace for more bombs

Wallabies playmaker Kurtley Beale has warned Ireland to expect plenty more high balls after they peppered the visitors with success in Brisbane's first Test.

Israel Folau

The Wallabies are promising more use of Israel Folau's formidable aerial skills against Ireland. (AAP)

Kurtley Beale has promised the Wallabies will continue their aerial bombardment of Ireland in Saturday's second rugby Test in Melbourne.

The Wallabies peppered the visitors with high balls, a ploy designed to benefit from expert leapers Israel Folau and Dane Haylett-Petty, as they claimed an 18-9 first Test win in Brisbane.

Many kicks missed their mark but the tactic still worked in Australia's favour both in attack and out of defence as Folau in particular dominated in the air, sometimes with clean two-handed catches.

Centre Beale, who was responsible for much of the tactical kicking, said another week of training together would help the Wallabies further exploit what they see as a clear way through Ireland's world-class defence.

"The Irish are one the best defensive teams in the world, so for us to break that and exit well after points was crucial," he said.

"The intention of those kicks was good. Sometimes the execution was a bit inconsistent but using Izzy and Dane - two of the best in the world at aerial catching - is good to use as a strength and release pressure."

The Wallabies kept their opponents try-less, with Beale among the many to put on some big hits and compete with Ireland's imposing pack.

"You've kind of got to step out of your skin a bit and I think everyone did that," Beale said of his defensive improvements.

"That needs to be continued because the Irish will come back hungrier and keen, we'll be aware of that."

Beale hopes the manner of their win helps bring back Australian rugby fans who may have drifted away given the country's recent Super Rugby struggles.

"We can only do so much, but if we win the way we did last night we'll start to get that back," he said.

"But there's a lot of hard work to go, the series isn't over yet."


Share

2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world