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Samu Kerevi and Sean McMahon - Wallabies await Autumn Series news

By Paul Smith
Samu Kerevi is one of three Wallabies whose release from Japanese clubs is said to need clarification. (Photo by Getty Images)

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.

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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.