Wallabies receive Kerevi boost as they prepare for Springboks battle

Fri, Jun 30, 2023, 4:45 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones speaks to the media before the side heads to Pretoria

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has confirmed centre Samu Kerevi is available for selection for next Sunday's opening Test against the Springboks in Pretoria.

Kerevi was one of six players named in the rehab group when Jones named his TRC squad last week.

Catch every game of the Rugby Championship LIVE on Stan Sport. Start your Free Sport Trial Now

However, Jones revealed Kerevi and prop Angus Bell will make the trip to South Africa, with Andrew Kellaway (hamstring), Jordan Petaia (hand), Matt Philip (calf) and Langi Gleeson (leg) staying in Australia.

“We’ve left four players at home…So they'll get ready for Argentina or New Zealand, depending on their progress," Jones told reporters at the airport.

"But everybody else is on the plane and at this stage available for selection.

“…We’re pretty sure of our best 23 but we want to see how they come through the first couple of days of training and we’ll name it.”

Kerevi is the more likely of the two given Bell hasn't played since the opening round of Super Rugby Pacific in February, with the inside centre featuring for the Barbarians in May.

Playing the world champions in Pretoria is one of the toughest tasks in World Rugby, especially for a new coach.

The Wallabies have never won at Loftus Versfeld in their seven attempts, last tasting victory on South African soil in 2011.

Jones recognises whilst a strong start to his Wallabies tenure is crucial, there's a bigger prize to play for later in the year.

"We don't need to get ahead of ourselves," he said. 

"There's a sprint, we want to get out of the gates quickly, but sometimes the sprint doesn't win the marathon."

Jones also implored the Springboks to play their best side after reports suggested they may split their squad ahead of a clash with the All Blacks in New Zealand on July 15.

“I don’t know but what I’m hoping for is their best team,” he said when asked about the possibility.

“If we want to beat South Africa in Pretoria, we want to play against their best.”  

Share
The Australian rugby community is mourning the loss of Wallaby #422, Alan Morton, who passed away last Friday aged 91.
Vale Alan Morton Wallaby #422
Wallabies coach Schmidt latest to throw support behind ANZAC Day Bledisloe
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt is pleased with the growing competition amongst positions as the Super Rugby Pacific season heats up. Photo: Getty Images
Eagle-eyed Schmidt excited by derby duels as Wallabies press their cases
Dylan Pietsch celebrates after scoring against the British & Irish Lions last year. Photo: Getty Images
Dylan Pietsch re-commits to Australian Rugby