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Beale lifting Wallabies: Phipps

Russell Jackson

Kurtley Beale's enthusiasm is lifting the Wallabies on and off the field, as the five-eighth continues to thrive in a seemingly toxic-free Australian team since taking over from disgruntled No.10 Quade Cooper.

Halves partner Nick Phipps says it's hard not to be inspired by the silky No.10 who has been bouncing around Wallabies' training in Europe this week ahead of Australia's spring tour opener against France in Paris on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).

"KB's (Beale) is so dominant at the moment, his chat and his enthusiasm is something that's helping drive the boys," said Phipps.

In September, then fullback Beale was dropped from the Wallabies but upon his return as five-eighth following an injury to Cooper, he's enjoyed strong performances in three appearances in the Rugby Championship.

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While Cooper is on the outer after being fined and given a suspended three-match ban for critical comments regarding Australian rugby which included describing the Wallabies as having a "toxic environment", Beale continues to mount a case to be a long term Australian five-eighth.

Confidence is high in the Australian camp, especially in the halves, where the two Melbourne Rebels now back themselves to call the shots and play what's in front of them.

"The first few games we played together we were quite nervous but now out on the training paddock in the team meetings even, we are very confident with each other," Phipps said.

"We're confident calling a few plays now too ... Robbie (Deans) gives us that opportunity for sure.

"We've got our game plan obviously but Robbie is the first one to say if there's an opportunity you take it and that every option is the right option if you're committed to it."

Phipps said the French are always a tough opponent but he expects something extra from them as they look to avenge their embarrassing 59-16 loss to Australia in 2010, the last time they played the Wallabies in Paris.

"We know the French are always up for a fight and we know they'll still be quite bitter about that score and it won't be anywhere near that this weekend," Phipps said.

Australia are desperate to protect their top-four ranking during the spring tour while the fifth-ranked French are equally keen to break into the crucial top tier.

The Wallabies are ranked second behind World Cup holders New Zealand, and know they need a good tour to protect their seeding for the 2015 World Cup ahead of the draw for the tournament which will be based on rankings on December 3.

England, France and Wales are fourth, fifth and sixth respectively, with any team outside the protected top four facing the possibility of an early showdown with the all-conquering All Blacks.