light
Peter Fenwicke (45)
Beale is the form fullback in world rugby. Ioane the best winger. O'Connor and AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) are two of the best utility backs. With carter on the side line, and Genia at 9 I would rate our backline and the best in world rugby. Unfortunately they are not getting the front foot ball that many teams are at this tournament.
Beale has been far from his best so far, I wouldn't have him in the top 3 fullbacks in the world right now based on form alone. Reputation wise and potentially, yes, but he just lacks the confidence he had in 2010 and we are seeing him make stupid errors and chip kick rather than attack the line. He is however worth the risk of playing at 15 due to his unpredictability, if he shows up to play against the Boks they could be in real trouble..but it doesn't look likely.
I'd have Dagg above him, and Lambie above Dagg in rankings, could also include Paul Williams and Ben Foden into the equation if we are ranking them all.
In terms of a back-line comparison based on what NZ and AUS have left:
Weepu v Genia - Even on form, Genia on potential, experience and decision making.
Slade v Cooper - Cooper on form and experience, not to mention unpredictability/x-factor.
Kahui v Ioane - Even on form, Ioane on x-factor and value to the team.
Nonu v McCabe - Nonu on everything.
Smith v AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) - Smith on everything bar one-on-one defence. Runs better lines and looks the more complete of the two.
Jane v JOC (James O'Connor) - JOC (James O'Connor) on x-factor and kicking, Jane still offers alot.
Dagg v Beale - Dagg on form, Beale on potential and unpredictability.
3 v 2 to the Blackness, the better of the evens would probably decide a game if it was played tomorrow. Fortunately the two evens are more than likely to be won by Australia.