Wallabies star Kurtley Beale says he's a wiser player, ready to help manage the game better in his third stint with the NSW Waratahs.
Wallabies star Kurtley Beale says he'll be more selective in attempting trademark big plays as he begins his third Super Rugby stint with the NSW Waratahs.
The midfield maestro returned from a spell with English club Wasps to perform well in the latter half of the Wallabies' 2017 campaign.
Now he wants to use lessons learnt from his time in England to help ignite a talented Tahs backline including Test stalwarts Bernard Foley and Israel Folau.
"There's a lot of smarts in how do you apply pressure so I can certainly bring that towards our game this year with the Tahs and I kind of had a little bit of influence on that at the Wallabies when I came back last year," said Beale.
Beale, who will line up against the Stormers in the Waratahs season opener at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, stressed he needed to pick his moments.
"I've certainly realised the impact of trying to do a big play on the team, when it doesn't come off it can put pressure on the team," Beale said.
"I feel like I'm a player now that can help manage the game and certainly help the halves inside me and be that link man, that can hopefully help release the guys outside me like Israel, Curtis Rona and Alex Newsome.
Beale suggested a good kicking game would be a key to countering the anticipated line speed of the Stormers defence on Saturday.
"I think you can release pressure through chip kicks or cross field kicks, it will get them in two minds," he said.
Previously also a five-eighth and fullback, Beale took over the Wallabies No.12 jersey upon his return from England and wants to keep developing in that inside centre position, while occasionally popping up in other spots.
A member of the Tahs 2014 Super Rugby title-winning side, Beale is confident they can regain contender status after a couple of lean seasons.
"I'm an optimist. I think all players here believe that we can take it to that next level," Beale said.
