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Samu Kerevi and Sean McMahon - Wallabies await Autumn Series news
By Paul Smith
The precise composition of the Wallabies squad for their autumn tour of the British Isles is set to be confirmed in the next few days.
According to Fox Sports Australia, a number of Japan-based players have been named in Dave Rennie’s squad without the extent of their involvement in the three-test trip being rubber stamped by their clubs.
On this basis, plenty of discussion has already centred on Quade Cooper’s availability for his country’s back-to-back fixtures against Wales, Scotland and England.
It now seems that powerhouse attacker Samu Kerevi and Sean McMahon also face issues with their club Suntory and that talks to clarify the situation will take place during the early part of the week.
Following their recent win over Japan, Rennie confirmed that Cooper will board the plane which brings the Wallabies to their training base in Brighton. However, parts of the Aussie rugby media continue to question whether Kinetsu will allow their superstar no.10 to play in all three tests.
Australia’s recent winning run has coincided with the veteran fly half’s return to the fold, and given that utility back Reece Hodge is now injured, having a fit-and-firing Cooper available for all three tests is a top priority.
When asked prior to last weekend’s win over the Brave Blossoms whether his selections for the November tests in the British Isles may be constrained Rennie admitted it was a distinct possibility.
The Wallabies must also decide over the next few days whether to replace Hodge who left the field against Japan in Oita early in the first half with a pectoral injury.
Gallagher Premiership Bristol’s Luke Morahan and Connacht’s Mack Hansen – who also qualifies to represent Ireland - are reported to be two overseas-based players under consideration.
Another name well-known to English fans, Northampton’s massive winger Taqele Naiyaravoro, is identified as a possible stand-in should Hodge be rules out and Kerevi’s availability be curtailed by Suntory.
However, Fox News reports that former Wasps full back Kurtley Beale is not likely to win an international recall.
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Latest Comments
Paddy T is playing the best footy of his career off the bench, and he’s a leader.
Straight swap: Paddy in for Scott, Scott to the bench.
But I’m loving Tuipolotu as an impact sub.
Go to commentsWhats that team then? Are Clarke or Tele'a likely to come back? Proctor didn't return to the squad did he?
I'd like see the young fullbacks play fullback, and so Jordan cover on the wing instead. Even seeing Reiks on the other wing would be cool, Reece can go back on the bench if theres even room for him there.
So preferably it would be ALB and second five where he came of the bench in the weekend and was great. He's a bit slow on the play for outside center but looks like he might need to play there if we need wingers.
Cane really sounds like he'll bit fit, is he going to want to play? I'd really like to see Kirifi earn a cap if Lakai was the only 7 (Ardie has to be all used up/finished for the year). Which young lock are we going to see come in?
No team lists here, that's kid games...
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