Kurtley Beale is being backed to thrive in the centres after being paired with former All Blacks star George Bridge for the Western Force's clash with the Hurricanes in New Zealand on Friday. The 37-year-old has been mostly used at fullback since arriving at the Force, but he will be unleashed at inside centre against the Hurricanes.
The positional shift reflects a deliberate tactical choice by Force coach Simon Cron as the Perth franchise attempts to stabilise a struggling campaign. Cron said of Beale's switch to the No.12 jersey: "KB has got a great voice and knows how to manage a game". The coach added that Beale brings game control and experience to the position, pointing to his physical readiness. Cron noted: "And he's actually got a bigger body on him now than what I've seen in the past. He's got quite strong, so he can handle the front line".
Standing next to him in the No.13 jersey will be Bridge, who has been a revelation for the Force this season but played last week's 39-31 loss to the Highlanders on the wing. George Bridge has been named in the Western Force leadership group for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign, reinforcing his importance to Cron's rebuilding project. Cron feels there will be a good cohesion between Bridge and Beale in the centres.
The Force enter Friday's match in difficult circumstances. The Force sit second last with just one win to show from four games. The third-placed Hurricanes have two wins from three games, including last week's 59-19 smashing of the NSW Waratahs. The Wellington-based side will present a formidable challenge in their New Zealand stronghold.
Yet Cron remains convinced his squad can perform. He said: "A couple of years ago, I remember playing them and thinking we were going to be in a bit of trouble. I think now, with the guys we have on that field, we can front up pretty well, like we did last year in the forward pack. Then it's about the backs being able to execute their jobs, and I think we've got the group on the field this weekend to do that".
The reshaped midfield also signals confidence in the Force's ability to manage play through the middle. Beale has been a jack-of-all trades during his glittering career, switching between flyhalf, fullback and the centres. His rugby league-style experience and game management skills suggest Cron sees opportunity to unlock attacking opportunities whilst maintaining defensive solidity. Bridge, a 19-cap All Black, brings international pedigree and tactical knowledge to complement Beale's creative instincts.
Friday's fixture will reveal whether the tactical adjustment proves effective. The Force's season hinges on generating momentum through wins against stronger opponents. Against a high-performing Hurricanes side, the partnership between Beale and Bridge will face its first significant test at Super Rugby level.