Kurtley Beale’s improbable Wallabies comeback has been cruelled by what is feared to be a serious Achilles injury while playing for Randwick on Saturday.
The 35-year-old had been released by the national team at Beale’s request to stay match fit in the Shute Shield against Eastern Suburbs at Woollahra Oval.
Randwick ran out 50-37 winners but celebrations were tempered by the sight of a pained Beale having to be helped off the field by two people, unable to put any weight on his right leg.
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A Wallabies spokesman said Beale would have scans on Monday.
Australia open their 2024 campaign against Wales in Sydney on Saturday.
“KB, obviously a massive shame to see him go down for the mighty Wicks yesterday,” Wallabies outside back Andrew Kellaway told reporters at a community event in Hunters Hill on Sunday.
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“I suppose we’ll just wait on those scans and see how he goes…
“It could be anyone, but it’s horrible to see. Even worse, KB is someone I grew up watching and then eventually playing with, he’s someone who I consider to be a close mate.
“It sucks to see him right on the brink and then right back where he wants to be and we were all excited to have him back.
“Touch wood, it’s not too serious. Any injury sucks but especially when it’s like that.”
Brumbies star Tom Wright is likely to start at fullback at Allianz Stadium.
It was widely assumed that Beale’s 95 Test career was over when he was stood down by Rugby Australia and the Waratahs following rape charges last year.
But Beale was found not guilty in February and returned to Super Rugby with the Force in April.
Beale hasn’t played for the Wallabies since 2021.
“Kurtley’s played well. Feedback from the Force has been really positive about his influence,” Joe Schmidt said after picking him in a 38 man squad.
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“It also takes a bit of pressure off one person being the hub to see everything that needs to be seen. Game sense, it’s hard to coach that.
“He just sees the game. Sometimes I think as players get older, they see it, but maybe struggle to land it. But he’s been landing it pretty well.”
Meanwhile, Australia opened their under-20 world championship campaign with a stirring 35-11 comeback victory over Georgia in Cape Town on Sunday (AEST).