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Waratahs ease Beale's load
March 27, 2007
WHIZKID Kurtley Beale was switched to full back as the struggling New South Wales Waratahs rang the changes today for their Super 14 clash with the champion Crusaders at Aussie Stadium on Saturday.
Sam Norton-Knight takes over from Beale at five eighth while Peter Hewat goes from full back to the vacant right wing.
The move takes Beale out of the firing line in the thick of defence, where he has struggled, and may give him more chance to use his brilliant running skills in counter-attack.
The versatile Norton-Knight was badly out of form on the wing against the Stormers two weeks ago but should relish the opportunity to show his ability in the playmaker role.
Coach Ewen McKenzie has handed Tim Davidson his starting debut at openside flanker ahead of Beau Robinson, with the daunting task of competing with New Zealand captain Richie McCaw for breakdown ball.
And he has pushed Australia No.8 David Lyons up to start in the second row for the first time in his career after losing Dean Mumm to injury.
"Our circumstances this season have tested our resourcefulness but I'm happy with the mix," said Waratahs head coach Ewen McKenzie.
"It's a shame to lose Dean but the upside is it's not a long term injury like we've seen with the likes of Dan Vickerman and Al Kanaar.
"I think David will prove to be a more than capable replacement, even in an unfamiliar position.
"He's a very good lineout jumper and he's about to become the third most capped player in NSW history, so we're not giving away anything in terms of experience."
McKenzie showed a lot of faith in breakaway Davidson.
"The breakdown will be a key battle," McKenzie said.
"The Crusaders are excellent scavengers and Richie McCaw is the best in the world.
"But our back row will front up in that area and we have some good options to introduce from the bench."
He said the Beale switch was to ease the load on the teenage rookie in his first season.
"We've wanted to reduce Kurtley's load for a few weeks and this is the best way to manage that under the circumstances," McKenzie said.
"Sam (Norton-Knight) got through plenty of work at ten in defence against the Blues (last weekend) and playing him in attack against the Crusaders will free up Kurtley significantly."
AAP