Wallabies v Springboks: Michael Hooper calls Kurtley Beale real deal for flair and rock solid play

SKIPPER Michael Hooper calls Kurtley Beale the barometer of the Wallabies because the team’s best periods are when he energises with rare flair or steers the show with a rock solid play.

The Wallabies are hoping Kurtley Beale can lead them past the Springboks.

KURTLEY Beale is the barometer of the Wallabies because the team’s best periods are when he energises with rare flair or steers the show with a rock solid play.

That praise from long-time Wallaby teammate Michael Hooper is the best endorsement that Australia’s new flyhalf is ready for Saturday night’s thorough test at Suncorp Stadium.

The bullocking Springboks will try to tenderise him along the way but Beale’s game has never been better to help shake the Wallabies out of their four-Test losing spiral.

“Getting more touches for Kurtley is a great thing for this team,” Hooper said.

The Wallabies are hoping Kurtley Beale can lead them past the Springboks.

‘DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN’: Calls grow to end neck rolls

INJURY BLOW: Pocock ruled out with neck issue

“He is the barometer of the team...when he’s up he’s bringing the whole team along with him.

“His thirst to improve in the leadership areas has been very good.

“He’s delivered some amazing performances (in recent seasons) and the mentality for all of us here is to play a really strong 80 minutes.”

The dumping of Bernard Foley was a strong message that no one’s spot in this Wallabies team is beyond scrutiny because even Israel Folau has his best position debated on occasions.

“No one is safe and we never want to have that impression at all,” Hooper said.

“Breeding competition within our walls is good and it is incentive to stay on the park and perform the best you possibly can.”

Bernard Foley is certain to play some role from off the bench. Picture: AAP.

Hooper still forecast a vital role for Foley and his experience just as the Boks will employ flyhalf Handre Pollard off their bench.

“Bernard will come on to play money minutes to finish the game which is really important,” Hooper said.

It will be fascinating to assess what zip Beale adds to the playmaker role and how he has improved his ability to throw an inside pass which was a shortcoming in his early days as a No.10.

If Beale is the barometer of the Wallabies, the atmospheric pressure is still greatest around coach Michael Cheika.

Losing to the All Blacks nine times has flattened his record to 50 per cent (25 wins from 50 Tests) yet it is more important to rate him against teams other than the world champions.

His winning rate rises to 59 per cent by that measure but losing records against England (one-from-seven) and Ireland (one-from-five) are big black marks.

Kurtley Beale will be looking to keep Handre Pollard in check. Picture: AP.

His Wallabies also need to improve on two wins and two draws from five Tests against the Boks.

Scaling those three formidable hurdles may all be ahead at next year’s World Cup in Japan just to get a crack at the All Blacks in a final.

Get ready for cricket like never before. FREE Sport HD + Entertainment until the first 4K cricket ball as part of 3 months free on a 12 month plan. SIGN UP TODAY. T&Cs apply.