Waratahs could unleash 122 Test centre combination to cover Kurtley Beale
NSW coach Daryl Gibson could unleash an all-star centre combination against the Hurricanes as they look to manage the workload of Kurtley Beale this year.
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Veterans Adam Ashley-Cooper and Karmichael Hunt could be the starting centre combination for the Waratahs’ season-opener against the Hurricanes.
NSW coach Daryl Gibson did not rule out that option as they look to manage the workload of Kurtley Beale this year.
After being impressed by the performances of Hunt and Ashley-Cooper in last week’s trial match against the Brumbies, Gibson hinted they could start at Brookvale Oval against the Wellington side that is also expected to have a host of All Blacks on their bench.
“That’s been the luxury that the have and the whole purpose of recruiting someone like Karmichael to give us that flexibility and the opportunity to rest and rotate and do all those things to get the best out of our squad,” Gibson said.
“It’s allowed that flexibility to be able to do that but we’re still finalising our team for Saturday.
“I’ve been really happy with their progress.
“Adam getting 40 minutes out at the Brumbies, showed the calmness and composure he’ll bring to our backline.
“Both of them are excellent defenders, both really thrive on that side of the ball.
“We know with the Hurricanes through [Ngani] Laumape and [Matt] Proctor we’re going to have to be very good in that area.”
Beale, NSW’s regular starting inside centre, played more minutes than any other Australian player last year and he will be monitored to ensure he is in peak physical condition for the World Cup in Japan starting September.
Beale and other key Wallaby players will have mandatory rest during this year’s Super Rugby campaign, either missing games entirely or playing limited minutes off the bench to ensure they’re not fatigued when they enter Wallabies camp.
NSW’s Test halfback Nick Phipps will miss the Hurricanes match due to a calf injury, as will centre Lalakai Foketi (hamstring) and prop Shambeckler Vui (foot sprain).
Star Wallabies Michael Hooper, Israel Folau, Bernard Foley and Sekope Kepu are all expected to start this Saturday.
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Originally published as Waratahs could unleash 122 Test centre combination to cover Kurtley Beale
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