UPDATE 4-SABMiller see H2 boost as H1 beats forecasts

* H1 adjusted earnings 80 cents vs forecast 71 cents

* Currency seen favourable in H2

* Sees some easing of input costs in H2

* Shares rise 4.9 percent (Adds Chief Exec comments, further analyst and shares)

By David Jones

LONDON, Nov 19 (Reuters) - World No. 2 brewer SABMiller Plc (SAB.L: Quote) expects a second-half boost from currency movements and a fall in the cost of inputs such as barley after price rises and cost cuts pushed up its first-half profits.

The London-based brewer of Miller Lite, Peroni and Grolsch beers said on Thursday it expected raw material costs to begin to ease towards the end of this year, while its second half should also benefit from foreign exchange rate movements.

The brewer's first-half profit increased 6 percent, beating analysts' average forecast, as beer price rises and cost savings helped offset a 1 percent fall in underlying volumes.

Chief Executive Graham Mackay said trading was likely to remain difficult, with unemployment rising and retail spending depressed, but it should see a substantial benefit from currency in its second half and some unwinding of commodity contracts.