15 Oct 2011

Beale loss big for Wallabies but patterns stay the same

4:03 pm on 15 October 2011

The All Blacks won't be changing their game plan too much in the wake of the Wallabies losing star fullback Kurtley Beale for Sunday's World Cup semi-final game at Eden Park.

One of Australia's most potent attacking threats, Beale's been in doubt since aggravating a hamstring injury in last weekend's South Africa game.

Assistant New Zealand coach Wayne Smith doesn't think much changes without the 22-year-old - though losing this year's John Eales Medal winner is a blow for Robbie Deans' men

Smith says he imagines the Wallabies will keep their defensive patterns fairly similar with Quade Cooper still defending at fullback and someone other than Beale at No.10, though Beale is an outstanding young player and would be a loss for any team.

Adam Ashley-Cooper will move from centre to fullback with Anthony Faingaa coming in to partner Pat McCabe in midfield.

Rob Horne comes onto the bench.