Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Duncan Bech

Harry Wilson vows no repeat of Kurtley Beale slip for Australia in Lions Test opener

Fateful slip: Kurtley Beale fell as he attempted to slot over a last-gasp winning penalty for Australia against the Lions back in 2013 - (Getty Images)

Harry Wilson has ruled out Australia repeating the agonising moment in 2013 when Kurtley Beale's fateful slip cost the Wallabies a series lead against the British and Irish Lions.

The rivals clash in Saturday's First Test with the condition of the Suncorp Stadium pitch under the spotlight.

Acting as the home ground for the Queensland Reds, Brisbane Broncos and Dolphins, as well as being used to stage concerts, the turf is showing signs of its heavy use.

Wilson referenced its greasiness after Friday's eve-of-match training run but insisted Australia would be using the correct studs - a reference to Beale's mishap at the same venue 12 years ago.

Wallabies great Beale lost his footing during the run-up to a penalty kick in the final minute that, if successful, would have propelled his side 1-0 ahead in a series they went on to lose 2-1.

Instead, they were defeated 23-21 and Beale revealed earlier this month that "from that day onwards, I've worn studs!".

"It is a little bit slippery, to be honest. We will be packing some decent studs," Australia captain and Reds number eight Wilson said.

Skipper: Harry Wilson will captain Australia against the Lions in the First Test in Brisbane this weekend (Getty Images)

"This field gets quite a lot of traffic, which is something we're wary of. We've had some beautiful weather this week until today (Friday). It's been a bit overcast.

"It's obviously a bit slippery, so it's something we've definitely paid attention to and hope to not make the same mistake."

Injury-hit Australia are heavy underdogs to topple the Lions on Saturday but in 21-year-old cross-code superstar Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii they have an X-factor player who can light up Brisbane.

"Joe's already played in some really big games, last year on our spring tour plus State of Origin," Wilson said.

"He's the ultimate professional. He looks after himself and the way he carries himself around the group is always top class.

"He's just going to treat it like another game. I'm just really excited for him. The more he gets his hands on the ball, the better it will be for us."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.