Wallaby star Kurtley Beale could yet face Wales in Saturday’s second Test in Melbourne.
Australia head coach Robbie Deans says the versatile 23-year-old is recovering well from a shoulder injury and has a chance of selection this weekend.
Beale missed the defeat to Scotland and the opening win over the Welsh after suffering the setback in the Rebels’ heavy loss to the Hurricanes in late May.
Having being tipped to stand in for Quade Cooper in the Wallaby No10 jersey prior to his injury problems, Beale was initially ruled out of the entire summer schedule before a more optimistic evaluation suggested he might be able to take some part in the three-Test series with the Grand Slam winners.
''He's rehabbing hard and there is a chance he may be available,'' said Deans.
''But don't get too excited by it, because he hasn't received the green light.
''Talking to Kurtley, he's feeling good. The discomfort has gone and the critical issue now is strength. The medical staff will want him to be back to full strength before he re-enters.''
Getting his strength back isn’t the only concern for Beale at the moment, however.
A standout performer for his country on the pitch over the past three seasons, Beale is currently in trouble off it.
The Australian Rugby Union is investigating an incident involving Beale and Cooper after police were called to a Brisbane hotel in the early hours of Friday morning. No charges have been made against the pair but the ARU is still awaiting a report from Queensland Police.
If Beale does win a place in the matchday squad in Melbourne, he is likely to be joined by just one other alteration to the party that won 27-19 against Wales last time out.
Deans has said he will ‘reward’ the side that started at the Suncorp Stadium, although tight-head prop Dan Palmer should come in for Sekope Kepu who has a strained forearm.
