Waratahs star Kurtley Beale fit to face Blues in Auckland, Wycliff Palu returns via bench

KURTLEY Beale has made a speedy recovery from an ankle injury for the NSW Waratahs’ Super Rugby showdown with the Blues in Auckland.

Kurtley Beale has overcome an ankle injury to be named to face the Blues.

KURTLEY Beale has made a speedy recovery from an ankle injury to be an almost certain starter for the NSW Waratahs in Friday’s Super Rugby showdown with the Blues in Auckland.

After sitting out training on Tuesday and being in considerable doubt, Beale completed the full 90-minute session on Wednesday to convince coach Michael Cheika and teammates of his likely availability.

Jono Lance and Rob Horne had been on standby to replace Beale, but the Wallabies star has been named at inside centre in an unchanged starting line-up for the Waratahs, who are looking to back up last Saturday’s win over the Bulls with a rare victory at Eden Park.

Destructive No. 8 Wycliff Palu will also travel to Auckland on Thursday after being added to an extended nine-man bench after missing the Bulls game following the death of his father this month.

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Beale’s rapid recovery has impressed five-eighth Bernard Foley, who said the classy playmaker’s inclusion in the side was a major boost for the Waratahs.

“He was moving very well out there — what ankle?’’ Foley said.

“He was looking good, looking quick and very elusive, so it’s good signs for us.

“He did everything today and he looked back to fine.’’

The Waratahs last beat the Blues in Auckland back in 2009.

NSW Waratahs team to face Blues:

1. Benn Robinson, 2. Tatafu Polota Nau, 3. Sekope Kepu, 4. Will Skelton, 5. Kane Douglas, 6. Jacques Potgieter, 7. Michael Hooper, 8. Dave Dennis (captain), 9. Nick Phipps, 10. Bernard Foley, 11. Rob Horne, 12. Kurtley Beale, 13. Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14. Cam Crawford, 15 Israel Folau.

Replacements: 16. Tolu Latu, 17. Jeremy Tilse, 18. Paddy Ryan, 19. Pat McCutcheon, 20. Wycliff Palu, 21. Brendan McKibbin, 22 Jono Lance, 23. Matt Carraro, 24. Stephen Hoiles.