Samu Kerevi has hailed the “chopping and changing” of Australia’s centre combos as he prepares to companion anticipated inclusion Izaia Perese in Saturday evening’s Bledisloe Cup battle.
With Len Ikitau injured, 26-year-old former Brisbane Bronco Perese is tipped to be named within the centres alongside Kerevi when the Wallabies host New Zealand on the MCG.
“He’s definitely a big option for us,” Wallabies coach Eddie Jones informed rugby/com.au when quizzed on the choice possibilities of Waratahs centre Perese, who has made simply three Test appearances.
“He’s trained really well. He’s really elevated himself. He’s got a great attitude to learn and is impressing us all-round.”
Regardless of who companions Kerevi, it is going to be Australia’s third completely different beginning centre mixture in three Tests underneath Jones in his second stint as Wallabies coach.
And that may solely profit the Wallabies as they put together for the Rugby World Cup, which begins in September in France, in response to Kerevi.
“We’ve been chopping and changing our (number) 12s and 13s, getting different combinations in – it’s been great for our growth,” the Japan-based former Queensland Reds captain mentioned.
“Lenny (Ikitau) is a great pilferer for us in that cornerstone, defensively, and he’s shown it throughout the year, but (his absence) gives great opportunities for other guys to step into that space and (have) more of that growth that we need.
“It’s now created great competition for those 12 and 13 jumpers.”
Kerevi is determined to regain his “world-class” standing in his ongoing return from a severe knee harm he suffered representing Australia in rugby sevens ultimately 12 months’s Commonwealth Games.
“Obviously, after a long lay-off, (I’m) just finding that groove again and that rhythm for myself, finding where I fit in terms of the team and where I can be my best,” he mentioned.
“I’m still building to where I want to be. I want to be a world-class player and a world-class centre,
“There’s always going to be room for improvement, and ceilings are always going to get pushed, not just for myself, but other players around the squad.
“I want to peak at the right time.”
“Kerevi said the Wallabies “weren’t happy” with their performances in Rugby Championship losses to South Africa and Argentina.
“Eddie (Jones) being Eddie, the intensity was always going to lift leading into the next (two) Test matches (against New Zealand),” he mentioned.
“As a team we needed to lift the intensity at training and create some great habits leading into these next two games but especially this game in front of our home fans.
“It’ll be the last opportunity we get (to play at home before leaving for the World Cup).”
Source: www.news.com.au
