‘I still haven’t watched it’: Beale revisits ‘embarrassing’ Lions moment

With less than 15 seconds left in an unforgettable Test match, Kurtley Beale stood over the ball with the Wallabies down by two – lining up a shot at goal from about 45 metres out, given the chance to play the hero against the 2013 British and Irish Lions.

Australia had just monstered the Lions’ scrum, which gave Beale the tough opportunity to hand the Wallabies a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series. As thousands watched on at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium and millions more around the world, Beale stepped towards the ball.

That’s when disaster struck. Beale slipped over while taking the kick, with the ball falling left and low of the uprights before dribbling across the dead ball line – 2013 Wallabies captain James Horwill said on Stan Sport this year it was “one that they [the Lions] got away [with].”

Bok attack coach Tony Brown on Barbarians challenge

Bok attack coach Tony Brown on Barbarians challenge

Beale was promoted to the starting side for the second Test in Melbourne the next weekend, and the playmaker retained that role for the deciding clash at Stadium Australia in Sydney, with Christian Lealiifano proving to be a sharp-shooter off the kicking tee for the Wallabies.

12 years on, with the Lions back on Australia’s shores for the first time since, Beale is potentially only a matter of days away from a unique second crack at the Lions. It’s rare for anyone to face the Lions, but to play the representative team in two different tours – that’s an exclusive club.

“I’m waiting for this question,” Beale said with a smile on Tuesday when asked about the missed kick in 2013. “No, look mate, that was obviously a real disappointment in that game one, an embarrassing moment, but plenty of learnings.

“From that day onwards I’ve worn studs now,” he quipped.

“Crucial moment in the series, wasn’t it? I was just really thankful to have strong teammates around me to pick me back up and get my focus into the next game in game two.

“It’s just going to be an amazing game, an amazing series. I’m kind of sharing stories to a lot of the guys here in the team, just how big it’s going to be, and just making sure that they enjoy it and embrace the week and the opportunity to play some world-class players.

“I still haven’t watched it properly but you learn from that. You put yourself in those situations at training week in, week out, right? Try and correct your wrongs and it’s just an ongoing process and I feel like I’ve done that now.

“You’re always learning, even at my age. You’re continually working on your craft and goal kicking for me has always been that.”

In the 12 years since last facing the Lions, Beale has enjoyed three different stints with the NSW Waratahs, and also played overseas with the Wasps in England and Parisian side Racing 92 in France’s Top 14.

Beale put pen to paper with the Western Force in April 2024, with the 95-Test Wallaby seemingly on the cusp of a Test recall after an impressive run of performances, but a devastating Achilles injury while playing Shute Shield for Randwick sidelined the fullback.

“I didn’t really think I’d get the opportunity again but here I am,” Beale reflected.

“Just really excited for the opportunity, the Western Force giving me that opportunity, coming back from an Achillies injury which was some tough going but worked really hard to get myself back and into a position to be selected.

“Just really excited. I just know how big of an occasion it is. Got a lot of young guys in our squad who will be thriving, just excited for the opportunity.

“It’s just an absolute juggernaut of the game, right? The occasion, and I think on the field, the level, the intensity, the skills under pressure, it’s tenfold,” he added. “It’s going to be a challenging opportunity for our guys but a big learning one as well.

“We’re going to go out and do everything we can to play Western Force rugby and hopefully put in a proud performance that the rugby fans can enjoy.”