Kurtley Beale will pull on the Western Force jersey for the first time in 2025, ending a frustrating 10-month layoff with an Achilles injury that derailed his Wallabies recall hopes last year.
Beale has been named at full-back for Friday’s away fixture against the Blues at Eden Park on Friday.
The 35-year-old sustained the injury playing for Randwick in the Shute Shield in June 2024, shortly after joining the Force mid-season and making seven appearances. Since then, he’s been steadily rehabbing at the club, quietly working toward a comeback many feared may not happen.
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Back three reshuffle as Beale returns
Beale’s inclusion sees Mac Grealy shift to the left wing, with Harry Potter on the right and Bayley Kuenzle slotting in at outside-centre. Kuenzle, fresh from scoring two tries in as many games on return from injury himself, will mark his 50th Super Rugby appearance. He will partner Hamish Stewart in the midfield.
“Beale has been rehabbing at the Force since the start of the year, and that hard work has paid off with coach Simon Cron naming the Wallaby in this week’s starting side,” the club confirmed.
Elsewhere, captain Jeremy Williams returns to the second row after recovering from a calf niggle that ruled him out against the Chiefs. He'll pair up with Darcy Swain, while Reed Prinsep is promoted to start at number 8.
The Force’s pack remains largely settled, with Ryan Coxon, Nic Dolly, and Tom Robertson continuing up front. In the back row, Nick Champion de Crespigny and Carlo Tizzano, who combined for 38 tackles last week, will flank Prinsep.
On the bench, Force Academy product Albert Alcock could make his Super Rugby debut, while Wallaby scrum-half Nic White has cleared head injury protocols and is listed among the finishers.
The Force, celebrating their 20th season, face a stern challenge in Auckland, but Beale’s return adds vital experience and flair to a squad looking to string together momentum at the business end of the season.