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Halangahu gets his chance as Beale is benched
Rupert Guinness | March 25, 2009
The Waratahs have lost faith in Kurtley Beale as a starting playmaker and have dropped him from the run-on side, handing Daniel Halangahu the chance to make the No.10 jersey his own.
On the eve of their departure for Auckland, where they will play their most important game of the season so far - against the Blues at Eden Park on Friday night - Halangahu ran at five-eighth in the apparent run-on team. During a two-hour training session at Victoria Barracks in Paddington yesterday morning, Halangahu partnered last week's run-on inside-centre, Tom Carter, to resurrect their 10-12 pairing at Sydney University.
Halangahu's promotion follows recent conjecture as to whether Beale should continue as the starting pivot, or come on later in the game from the bench. Many observers believe Beale has been out of form this year and that his natural flair would have more impact were he to come on as a reserve.
It is also felt that Halangahu, while not as flamboyant as Beale, is more consistent with delivery, can pass longer, play at tempo and provide the stumbling Waratahs back line with more stability and composure in attack.
That Halangahu and Carter, who will again keep out Timana Tahu from the starting side, are an established pair should help the No.10 make up for the game time he has missed so far. Halangahu came on with 20 minutes to go in NSW's 17-13 loss to the Crusaders last Saturday. It was his longest stint on field since the Super 14 season began.
Halangahu will now get his moment under the spotlight to show that the No.10 jersey - apparently set to be his when the season started - is on the right back. But whoever is the better pivot must show it soon.
Already up to round seven, the Waratahs can ill afford to spend weeks alternating their combinations.
Waratahs coach Chris Hickey expects far more from his attack this week, and while wary of the Blues, who were stung by a 63-34 loss to the Chiefs last week, he has identified a couple of defensive weaknesses.
http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/news/n...656930519.html
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