On Saturday, shortly after the Wallabies’ underwhelming loss to the Springboks in Sydney, Dave Rennie called for his side to play with more optimism.
Few players in Australian rugby this century have played the game with the same running, instinct nature as Kurtley Beale, and it just so happens that the returning Waratahs back is now fully fit from a significant hamstring injury.
The 31-year-old headlines Rennie’s 36-man squad for the back to back Bledisloe Tests, with the versatile back an outside chance to take on the All Blacks at Marvel Stadium on September 15.
He is once again joined in the squad by Bernard Foley, the Japan-based playmaker, who is in the frame to play his first Test since the 2019 World Cup.
But given the concussions of Hunter Paisami and Noah Lolesio, it is likely Foley, who been an active part of the squad for the past two Tests, could get a call-up with Rennie unlikely to go in with a six forwards heavy bench after the risky selection came back to bite him last weekend.
Towering lock Rory Arnold, meanwhile, departs the squad as he prepares to welcome his child into the world and for his maiden season in the Japanese League Two competition.
Fortunately, his departure is somewhat offset by the return of Cadeyrn Neville, who has missed the past five Tests because of a knee-injury suffered during the loss to England in Brisbane.
Rennie could however turn to his rising locks Darcy Swain and Nick Frost to partner Matt Philip in the squad should Neville require another week to get up to speed.
Reds fullback Jock Campbell and Waratahs back-rower Langi Gleeson are the only two uncapped players in the squad.
Once again James O’Connor is a notable omission, with the experienced Wallabies playmaker dropped ahead of the Springboks Tests.
It leaves his future in Australian rugby at a crossroads, with the Rugby World Cup exactly one year away from getting underway in France.
While regular skipper Michael Hooper is still sidelined, with the openside flanker’s immediate future remaining unclear. James Slipper will continue to captain the Wallabies in his absence.
There is much to play for over the next fortnight, with The Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup up for grabs.
Yet as exciting as those shimmering trophies are, with the Bledisloe Cup evading the Wallabies for two decades, they can disappear just as quickly, with one defeat to end the hopes of taking home both prized possessions.
Rennie said he was pleased to welcome back Beale and Neville for the crunch Tests.
“It’s great to be able to keep the core of our group together and welcome Cadeyrn back to the mob, while we wish Rory all the best for what’s an incredibly exciting time for him and his family,” Rennie said.
“Kurtley is a welcome return to the squad after recovering from a long-term injury and will bring his passion for the jersey along with his wealth of experience at Test level.
“We know how important these next two Tests are with silverware on the line and we’ll be expecting a response after the disappointment of last weekend’s loss.”
Wallabies 36-man squad:
Allan Alaalatoa (28, ACT Brumbies, 58 Tests)
Kurtley Beale (31, NSW Waratahs, 95 Tests)
Angus Bell (21, NSW Waratahs, 19 Tests)
Jock Campbell (27, Queensland Reds, uncapped)
Pone Fa’amausili (25, Melbourne Rebels, 1 Test)
Folau Fainga’a (27, ACT Brumbies, 31 Tests)
Lalakai Foketi (27, NSW Waratahs, 2 Tests)
Bernard Foley (32, Kubota Spears, 71 Tests)
Nick Frost (22, ACT Brumbies, 4 Tests)
Langi Gleeson (21, NSW Waratahs, uncapped)
Jake Gordon (29, NSW Waratahs, 14 Tests)
Reece Hodge (28, Melbourne Rebels, 59 Tests)
Jed Holloway (29, NSW Waratahs, 4 Tests)
Len Ikitau (23, ACT Brumbies, 19 Tests)
Andrew Kellaway (26, Melbourne Rebels, 16 Tests)
Marika Koroibete (30, Saitama Wild Knights, 49 Tests)
Rob Leota (25, Melbourne Rebels, 12 Tests)
Noah Lolesio (22, ACT Brumbies, 14 Tests)
Lachlan Lonergan (22, ACT Brumbies, 6 Tests)
Tate McDermott (23, Queensland Reds, 18 Tests)
Fraser McReight (23, Queensland Reds, 6 Tests)
Cadeyrn Neville (33, ACT Brumbies, 2 Tests)
Hunter Paisami (24, Queensland Reds, 20 Tests)
Jordan Petaia (22, Queensland Reds, 20 Tests)
Matt Philip (28, Melbourne Rebels, 26 Tests)
David Porecki (29, NSW Waratahs, 5 Tests)
Pete Samu (30, ACT Brumbies, 26 Tests)
Scott Sio (30, ACT Brumbies, 73 Tests)
James Slipper (33, ACT Brumbies, 121 Tests)
Darcy Swain (25, ACT Brumbies, 15 Tests)
Taniela Tupou (26, Queensland Reds, 43 Tests)
Rob Valetini (24, ACT Brumbies, 25 Tests)
Suliasi Vunivalu (26, Queensland Reds, 1 Test)
Nic White (32, ACT Brumbies, 54 Tests)
Harry Wilson (22, Queensland Reds, 11 Tests)
Tom Wright (25, ACT Brumbies, 16 Tests)
