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Wallabies centre Kuridrani ruled out for three months triggering centre crisis
By Online Editors
The Wallabies have a centre crisis on their hands with Fox Sports reporting experienced Brumbies midfielder Tevita Kuridrani suffered a torn pectoral muscle in the final round of Super Rugby.
The injury will rule him out for an expected three months, which removes him from the already thin centre options for the Rugby Championship. Kuridrani joins Reds centre Samu Kerevi, who was voted Queensland's best player this week, on the sidelines for the duration of the Wallabies campaign.
The 27-year-old centre has been a mainstay of the Wallabies backline but this year struggled with form with an underperforming Brumbies side. A late-season resurgence put Kuridrani firmly back in Wallabies contention after Kerevi's injury, but will now undergo surgery on Tuesday.
Michael Chieka is now reviewing his options for the opening Bledisloe Test in Sydney on August 18th. Curtis Rona could be called on to fill the role, but with only 3-test caps on the wing, it will be a baptism of fire for the Waratahs utility back. Rebels Mr. Fixit Reece Hodge could also provide cover.
If those options aren't suitable then Chieka may have to pick from the next generation of youngsters - with Queenslanders Izaia Perese, 21, and Jordan Petaia, 18, having played centre at Super Rugby or NRC level.
Chieka's wider squad will be selected next week to begin Rugby Championship preparations in Sydney.
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Latest Comments
1) Not sure but if the stand down period was say 5 years would he have ever played for them in the first place? Tonga did nothing towards his development, he’s never lived in the country.
2) It’s a mix at the moment. As you know Tonga and Samoa have always been made up largely of NZ born and/or raised players. It’s always been the case that the islands are the second option for NZ players who don’t quite make the ABs.
3) No it should be much longer, same as the residency rules should be longer than 5 years too. Would stop a fully fledged professional from one country representing another.
Go to commentsI can't wait, it's gonna be a cracker!
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