Samu Kerevi reportedly set to join Wallabies squad

Tue, Aug 10, 2021, 10:52 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Wallabies come up short despite strong second half at Eden Park

Samu Kerevi has reportedly earned a shock call-up to the Wallabies set-up ahead of the Rugby Championship.

The 27-year-old, who just competed at the Tokyo Olympics, is set the Wallabies once his two-week hotel quarantine stint is over ahead of the third Bledisloe.

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It has been reported by News Corp and SMH the Suntory-based centre will come into the squad as cover with Hunter Paisami set to leave the group for the impending birth of his child.

Kerevi made his return to Australian Rugby via the Sevens program on a short-term deal as he pushed for Olympic selection.

He would eventually earn a spot in the 13-man side, however, they finished in a disappointing seventh.

In the build-up to the Games, he admitted he yearned to return to the Wallabies and thought his time in gold was over.

“After the World Cup, I thought that was it,” he said in June.

“You always have the urge to play high-level Rugby, especially playing for your nation.

“You never forgot that taste of that jersey when you get the honour of wearing it.

“To run out with 14 other mates of yours, I think it’s a really special thing to have in your career.”

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Kerevi is the second player to be called on since tweaks were made to ‘Giteau’s Law.’, allowing two players who have played under 60 caps to be selected for the Wallabies.

He will be joined by former Reds teammate and Toulon centre Duncan Paia’aua as current COVID restrictions limit the availability of players.

Fellow former Red Quade Cooper is currently travelling with the squad as a training member, with his 70 caps qualifying him for selection.

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