Kurtley Beale steps up and delivers to help steer Waratahs into Super Rugby final

THE Brumbies did their best to limit the brilliance of Kurtley Beale, but the Waratahs star wasn’t to be denied and stood up when it mattered.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 26: Kurtley Beale of the Waratahs makes a break on the way to scoring a try during the Super Rugby Semi Final match between the Waratahs and the Brumbies at Allianz Stadium on July 26, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

IT was a sign of Kurtley Beale’s resurgence when he opted for a cheeky chip over the top to his centre partner Adam Ashley-Cooper.

That the ball wasn’t gathered cleanly almost didn’t matter — this was the real Beale, thinking on his feet because the Brumbies had shown their intent to close him down.

Big things are always expected of Beale when he takes to field and, up until a year ago, he would provide glimpses of his prodigious talent.

But this season he has been a revelation. And it’s little coincidence that the Waratahs have too.

This time last year Beale was a cast-off at the Melbourne Rebels after punching two teammates, Cooper Vuna and his captain Gareth Delve, during a night out drinking in Durban.

With his demons out in the open, the 25-year-old then made the decision to return to his home city and seek counselling for alcohol-related problems.

Waratahs beat Brumbies: Watch full highlights of the thrilling Super Rugby semi-final

It was Waratahs coach Michael Cheika who brought Beale to Moore Park and, 11 months later, the versatile back has become an integral part of the cultural revolution at the Waratahs.

Cheika is the father figure to this close-knit group of players, who were rewarded for their consistency by claiming the minor premiership.

Waratahs beat Brumbies to reach Super Rugby final: Read the full match report

Now, deservedly, they will get their opportunity to battle it out for their first Super Rugby title in front of their home fans.

Kurtley Beale celebrates his try for the Waratahs.

On Saturday night the Brumbies, well aware of the impact Beale can have on a game, did their best to nullify his influence.

Their defence rushed up at him and early in the second half he was floored by a ferocious Tevita Kuridrani tackle.

But it took mere minutes for him to respond.

Ashley-Cooper’s grubber was loosely collected by Jesse Mogg but Beale still pounced, grabbing the ball from the Brumbies fullback’s grasp and sprinting to the corner flag, where he crossed the line for the Waratahs’ second, and decisive, try of the game.

Constantly bashed throughout the match, Beale found a way through. The Beale of old may not have been able to.

The NSW crowd and his teammates all responded with warm applause.

Brumbies winger Henry Speight is stopped by Waratahs Nick Phipps and Kurtley Beale.

Beale has spent the season at the Waratahs playing at inside centre. He has formed a formidable pairing with Ashley-Cooper, but has made no secret of his desire for the Wallabies No. 10 jersey.

There are other playmakers in the mix, but in Beale’s favour is the fact that he has combined so well with Israel Folau, who is sure to be Ewen McKenzie’s gun for next year’s World Cup.

Folau is contracted to the ARU until the end of 2015, but Beale has yet to sign a new contract.

This has attracted the attention of NRL clubs — Beale played league growing up — as well as the riches of European and Japanese franchises.

Beale has been described by his Waratahs teammates as having a dramatic and dynamic impact at the club.

And they will be hoping his contagious energy hangs around for a while after next weekend’s decider at ANZ Stadium.