The Wallabies have been bolstered by some European heavy hitters ahead of their Autumn Nations Series opener.
Kurtley Beale, Will Skelton, Rory Arnold, Tolu Latu, Colby Fainga’a and Duncan Paia’aua are all in the mix for the clash with Scotland early on Monday morning (AEDT) as coach Dave Rennie continues to cast the selection net wide.
Beale, 32, is an option to play at fullback at Murrayfield although Andrew Kellaway looms as the more likely candidate.
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“It was a bit of a surprise,” Beale said of his call-up.
“I have been following the group from afar, watching their progression over the last couple of years, and obviously Banksy (Tom Banks) and Hodgey (Reece Hodge) have been doing a fine job at fullback.
“It’s unfortunate they’ve been injured and I guess the boys coming over to the spring tour needed some help in that position. So they gave me a call. I’m super stoked. I didn’t really see it coming but I’m really excited to be here.”
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Beale left the Waratahs last year to join French glamour club Racing 92 but told reporters he had never shut the door on playing for the Wallabies.
“I still felt individually that I could still add something because I’m still growing in the game,” Beale said.
“My hunger is still there to keep growing as a player, to keep pushing myself with the best and against the best.
“So obviously, with the World Cup, in France, in 2023, it’s still a goal of mine, still something I want to be a part of. I’m just trying to do my trade over here, just keep working hard for an opportunity. Now an opportunity has come.”
Beale said he had gained inspiration from watching Quade Cooper shine in his own unlikely comeback in gold this year.
“It certainly gave them a lot of direction on the field, you can see how Quade can control the game,” Beale said.
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“It allowed the rest of the team just to calm and just play their natural game.
“Hopefully, I can have that type of influence now that I’m here.
“I know James O’Connor is doing a great job in that 10 jersey in training and I’m sure he does have that influence on the group.”
Giant lock Skelton, meanwhile, is in no mood to simply watch from the stands in Scotland despite only having a week to get back up to speed with the Wallabies game plan.
“It seems quite simple,” Skelton said.
“It’s something as a rugby player you’ve got to get used to quick.
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“I’m not too sure, I’ll see what Renz (Rennie) is thinking.
“I’ll definitely be putting my hand up, I think all the boys will be who come in, because we’re not here to sit back and train for the three weeks.
“We want to try and be involved and put our hand up for selection.
“But we’ll be trying to get our heads around it for Sunday with a seven day turnaround.”
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