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Foley-Beale combo has Los Pumas wary

The return of Bernard Foley and Kurtley Beale's midfield combination makes the Wallabies a more dangerous team, Argentina coach Mario Ledesma says.

Kurtley Beale of Australia
Kurtley Beale is back at inside centre, where Los Pumas coach Mario Ledesma believes he thrives. (AAP)

Freeing Kurtley Beale from the responsibilities of five-eighth and giving him space to express himself makes the Wallabies a far more dangerous proposition, according to Los Pumas coach Mario Ledesma.

Michael Cheika's experiment with Beale in the No.10 jersey has come to an end, with Bernard Foley returning to the starting side for Sunday morning's (AEST) clash in Salta.

Beale is back at inside centre and Ledesma, a former Wallabies assistant, believes that's where he thrives.

"I think it's better for them to have Bernard at 10," he said.

"Not because of Bernard but because of Kurtley. Kurtley needs a little bit more space and freedom.

"Obviously he's still a playmaker but when he comes it's maybe two or three phases and it's different to bossing everybody and thinking about everything.

"He's more of a spontaneous player and that's where he's best at.

"I love Bernard, I think he's one of the best number 10s, so I'm not really objective and I like the guy, too. I'm happy for him."

Ledesma was surprised to learn some bookmakers have rated Los Pumas as favourites to win.

"Really? Have you seen both teams, watched both teams? It's pretty handy, the team they put out," he said.

But Ledesma, who steered Argentina to a stunning 23-19 upset on the Gold Coast last month, said he couldn't afford to spend too much time worrying about his former colleagues and friends in the Australian set-up.

Los Pumas are seeking to atone for their disappointing 35-17 defeat to New Zealand in Buenos Aires last week.

"We didn't play well last week. It wasn't a good game for us," Ledesma said.

"We're really concentrating on us. If we do the things we want to do, maybe we'll get a good outcome."


2 min read

Published

Source: AAP


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