Thursday 2 October 2014 07:27, UK
Kurtley Beale has been dropped by Australia for their final Rugby Championship match against Argentina on Saturday.
The utility back was allegedly involved in an in-flight row with a member of team management that triggered an internal investigation, and head coach Ewen McKenzie has responded by leaving him out of the Wallabies’ matchday 23.
McKenzie has made two changes to his starting line-up, with former skipper James Horwill replacing the concussed Rob Simmons in the second row, while Scott Higginbotham comes in at No 8 for the injured Ben McCalman.
"Rob plays a significant role in the team as our chief lineout caller, so it's disappointing to lose him, but we're confident in the abilities of James and are looking forward to seeing him step up in this area," McKenzie said.
"Scott has been working hard and looking for an opportunity in the starting side for some time. With the injury to Ben, he now gets his chance.
"He's got unique athletic ability for a big guy, and that will be important against an Argentinian side which has made major strides forward with their defence during this year's tournament."
McKenzie has stocked his bench with six forwards for their meeting with the winless Pumas in Mendoza, with scrum-half Nic White and winger Rob Horne preferred to Beale as the only two replacement backs.
"We recognise the need to have enough strike-power in the forwards to get us through the back-end of the game, especially after such a physical encounter against South Africa followed by a difficult period of travel," said McKenzie.
"That only leaves two spots for the backs, and we believe in this instance the combination of Nic White and Rob Horne will provide us with the best balance given the physicality we expect in this match."
The ARU probe has thrown the spotlight back on Beale, who has a patchy off-field record and spent time in rehab last year for alcohol issues.
McKenzie told Australian media that the incident had distracted the team's preparations and the staff member had flown home early. The ARU said it expected to wrap up the probe within a week.
Rob plays a significant role in the team as our chief lineout caller, so it's disappointing to lose him, but we're confident in the abilities of James and are looking forward to seeing him step up in this area.
An ARU spokesman said: "We're aware of an alleged incident involving Wallabies player Kurtley Beale on a flight from South Africa to Brazil on Sunday.
"The matter has been referred by team management to the Australian Rugby Union's Integrity team to be investigated according to our usual processes.
"This investigation will ensure all parties have an opportunity to present all relevant facts, before any assessment of the alleged incident can be reached. We expect the investigation will be completed by the end of next week.”
Australia: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13 Tevita Kuridani, 12 Matt Toomua, 11 Joe Tomane, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps; 1 James Slipper, 2 Saia Faingaa, 3 Sekope Kepu, 4 Sam Carter, 5 James Horwill, 6 Scott Fardy, 7 Michael Hooper (c), 8 Scott Higginbotham.
Replacements: 16 Josh Mann-Rea, 17 Benn Robinson, 18 Ben Alexander, 19 Will Skelton, 20 Jake Schatz, 21 Matt Hodgson, 22 Nic White, 23 Rob Horne.
Watch Argentina v Australia live on Sky Sports 3 on Saturday from 11.30pm
