Australia v Wales, Sydney, June 23
Howley earmarks Beale as main threat
ESPN Staff
June 22, 2012
Kurtley Beale gets some strapping, Australia training, Coogee Oval, Sydney, June 21, 2012
Kurtley Beale gets some strapping on his shoulder © PA Photos
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Players/Officials: Kurtley Beale | Ashley Beck | Rob Howley
Teams: Australia | Wales

Wales caretaker boss Rob Howley has singled out Kurtley Beale as Australia's main threat ahead of the third Test in Sydney on Saturday.

Beale missed the first two games against Wales with a shoulder injury but was recalled by Robbie Deans for the third match. Beale, who is currently in the middle of an off-field incident, steps in at fullback for the Wallabies and Howley believes he will give them essential go-forward.

"It is red alert for us with Kurtley Beale back in the side - he gives us another problem to worry about," Howley said. "He is a world-class player who has huge ability to beat a man. We were very happy with our defence and line speed in Melbourne, but the addition of Sitileki Timani in the second row means they are looking for some more go-forward.

"Our possession statistics need to improve and we need to find greater accuracy and composure in our game at vital moments."

Howley's sentiments were echoed by Ospreys centre Ashley Beck who admitted that the side also exchanged some frank words after losing the previous Test in the dying embers of the match to the Wallabies.

"It was tough seeing the clock with 30 seconds left. We thought we were going to be OK, but those penalties at the end killed us," Beck said. "Everyone has now got off their chest what was needed to be said and we are learning from everything that is happening to us on this tour. It is all about expressing ourselves at the weekend and getting something that we feel we deserve.

"Taking your chances and being clinical - that is what international rugby is all about. In the first game we had six line breaks and scored one try. In the second Test we took our tries, but weren't clinical enough in defence and gave away those vital penalties. You have to be clinical in both attack and defence.

"The Wallabies are very good in offence and are difficult to defend against. And now they have brought in Kurtley Beale, who has brilliant feet and is a very good attacking player."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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