Kurtley Beale scores on comeback, but Force flattened by blistering Blues
Kurtley Beale shone in his Super Rugby return, scoring a try and amassing 122 meters despite Western Force's 40-19 loss to the Blues. After a 10-month injury layoff, the veteran fullback defied doubts about his fitness. While the Blues dominated with six tries, Beale's performance offered a glimmer of hope for the Force and hinted at a possible Wallabies recall.
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Veteran Wallaby Kurtley Beale marked his long-awaited return to Super Rugby with a stellar performance, despite the Western Force falling 40–19 to the Blues at Eden Park on Friday.Playing his first competitive match in 10 months following a serious Achilles injury, the 34-year-old fullback made an immediate impact. Beale ran for 122 metres, beat three defenders, and scored a well-taken try — a reminder of the class that made him a mainstay in Australian rugby for over a decade.Beale's return was among the few bright spots for the Force, who were outgunned by a dominant Blues outfit. The defending champions ran in six tries, with Marcel Renata grabbing a brace and Beauden Barrett and Cole Forbes orchestrating a fluid attacking display. The Blues, stung by a recent loss and a strong rebuke from coach Vern Cotter, responded with intent from the opening whistle.The Force struggled at the breakdown and conceded crucial turnovers. The Blues capitalized on it and maintained momentum throughout the match. While Beale's second-half try briefly sparked high hope for the visitors, they failed to gain momentum.Despite the defeat, Beale's performance turned heads. In the lead-up to the match, some pundits questioned whether the veteran still had the pace and endurance to compete at this level. He answered emphatically on the field.'It felt good to cross the line again,' Beale said post-match. 'The body held up better than I expected.'Force coach Simon Cron praised Beale's presence on and off the field, highlighting his influence on the team's younger players. 'Kurtley's experience, tactical knowledge, and leadership have been a major lift for the squad,' Cron said.As the Force looks to salvage their season, Beale's return could provide the spark they need. More than just a comeback, his performance in Auckland hinted at the possibility of a late-career resurgence — and perhaps even a final chapter in the gold jersey.
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