There's an old truism in sport that you're only as good as your last game. So Kurtley Beale is a very good player indeed, after ranking among the Wallabies' best against the United States in Chicago. Unfortunately for Beale, however, the man for whom he deputised in the No.15 jumper is Israel Folau, the two-time reigning John Eales Medal winner who has enjoyed more good last games than most in his 33 Tests; but for the Wallabies, it is a very good thing to have these two players (and others) capable of playing the house down from the back.

Kurtley Beale © Getty Images

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Beale, it is often forgotten these days, made his name at Test level as a full-back: he has now won 28 of his 53 caps as a custodian, and he was the full-back at Rugby World Cup 2011, but he hadn't worn the No.15 jumper since the humbling defeat by the British & Irish Lions in Sydney in 2013; such has been the rise and rise of Folau, and such has been the utility value of Beale as a man capable of playing 10, 12, and 15 and who has played five Tests on the wing as a replacement.

But full-back is, most probably, Beale's best position even considering he played a key and pivotal role as second five-eighth outside Wallabies halves Nick Phipps and Bernard Foley in the Waratahs' charge t the 2014 Super Rugby title.

"I enjoy it," Beale said when asked if full-back were his favourite position.

"It's great.

"The thing with full-back, [it suits] the way I like to play the game, I like to step up and get my hands on the ball; I like to run off the ballplayers and pick and choose those moments. 'Cheik' understands that, and the coaches understand that I like that roving type of style."

ESPN is proud to announce an exclusive 1-hour special - Cheika's Wallabies: Hope of a Nation - premiering on ESPN Weds Sept 9 at 9pm AEST (11pm NZ). ESPNscrum's leading rugby expert Greg Growden goes one-on-on with the Wallabies coach in this exclusive special that gives a rare insight into the intriguing personality of Australia's head coach.

Whatever Beale's best - or favourite position - he accepts that he has another specific role within the Wallabies' set-up; or rather, a non-specific role as the ultimate utility player who also ran at inside centre to make space for Quade Cooper when the bench was cleared against the Eagles.

"Those positions are pretty stocked with some pretty special talent so hopefully I've impressed and hopefully I get another chance," Beale said, adding that he was "very pleased with the opportunity to start" and "very pleased with how I went" after eight consecutive appearances from the pine.

"Individually it's about focusing on your role within the team to achieve the outcome. All the hard work during the week - it's tough - there's always someone knocking on the door, and that's what I've been trying to do. Hopefully I've showcased my ability to be able to play the game, and I feel like I'm back to where I was a couple of years ago."