Beale can turn his life around against Lions, says Walker

Australian Wallabies rugby union player Kurtley Beale passes the ball during his team's captains run in Sydney August 17, 2012. REUTERS/Daniel Munoz

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Australia coach Robbie Deans is right to throw Kurtley Beale into the first British & Irish Lions test despite his personal problems, according to Andrew Walker, whose own international career derailed after helping the Wallabies win the 2001 series.

Dual international Walker, who scored a try from the wing during the lost first test in 2001, is thrilled the utility back has a place on the bench for Saturday's match at Lang Park following his battles with alcohol issues and a recent stint at a private health clinic.