Waratahs coach Chris Hickey will have a hard time going past Kurtley Beale as his starting flyhalf in next week's opening Super 14 match after the No.10 gave an all-star performance in the final hit out of the pre-season.

Beale scored an important try and played a big hand in another as the Waratahs claimed a 17-14 win over the Brumbies at the Sydney Football Stadium on Thursday night.

Hickey had been experimenting with Beale and Daniel Halangahu at pivot during the pre-season, but after Beale's on-field display against a glittering Brumbies backline, he'll prove hard to ignore.

The slick No.10 also showed he has increased his versatility, slotting into the centres when Halangahu stepped into the play-making role in Thursday night's latter stages.

The 20-year-old displayed maturity in his decision making and also gave a flawless performance with the boot, which he credited to working with former Wallabies and Waratahs great Matt Burke.

"It was two from two I think ... new technique, new style and I've just got to work on that, you know I can't lay back on that because otherwise you might fall off," the talented back said.

"I've just got to keep working hard and hopefully I can continue it."

The were no signs of the ankle injury which Beale sustained during the Super 14 grand final last year and he said his fitness stood up for the full 80 minutes.

"I worked a lot in the off-season, working on my agility and trying to get my speed back and I felt pretty good," Beale said.

"The first 20 minutes it was pretty tough but I felt I was able to move around the park a lot more easily.

"When you score a try it always gives you a bit of confidence.

"A lot of things worked out there for me (but) I know I have to work on a few things."

Coach Hickey said he would decide on his starting XV over the weekend.

"We'll sit down and have a look at it ... but I'd say a trial of that intensity will sort those (starting) positions out for us," Hickey said.

The Waratahs, who were unbeaten during their three trial matches, will draw plenty of confidence from their tough encounter with the Brumbies ahead of next Saturday's opening Super 14 game against the Hurricanes in Wellington.

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