Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
NZ NZ

The Wallabies duo tasked with taking down the Springboks

By Online Editors
Tevita Kuridrani (left) and Samu Kerevi. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Tevita Kuridrani is hopeful of getting back to his attacking best after reuniting with his barnstorming Wallabies centre partner Samu Kerevi for their Rugby Championships clash with South Africa.

ADVERTISEMENT

The pair haven’t played together in a test match since late 2017 but have been rewarded after impressive Super Rugby seasons with selection for the Johannesburg clash on Saturday.

With 58 tests to his name, Kuridrani missed the entire test season last year after tearing his pectoral muscle in the Brumbies’ final round.

Kuridrani said he was looking forward to renewing his combination with Queenslander Kerevi, who was this week named Wallabies vice-captain.

“I’m really looking forward to working with him in the midfield, he’s a very talented player,” the 28-year-old said.

“He’s grown into a leadership role and I’ve got a lot of respect for him.”

It’s a case of the Wallabies fighting fire with fire with the formidable duo – Kuridrani weighing in at 102kg and Kerevi at 105kg – squaring off with Springboks pair Andre Esterhuizen, who is a hefty 110kg and outside centre Jesse Kriel, practically a lightweight at 95kg.

Kuridrani said he was familiar with Kriel’s game, with the Springboks centre the most experienced in their backline with 40 Test caps.

ADVERTISEMENT

“They have a really big midfield, especially this weekend with their new 12 and Jesse Kriel and I’m looking forward to the challenge,” Kuridrani said.

“He’s a very dangerous player at 13; he’s very skilful, he’s a good runner, good at defence – I like the way he plays.”

Kuridrani’s Brumbies teammate Tom Banks has been given first crack at the fullback jersey made vacant by the axing of Israel Folau.

Banks is expected to provide the zip at the back, supported by burly duo Dane Haylett-Petty and Reece Hodge on the wings.

ADVERTISEMENT

The back three will have to be at their best defensively to keep electric Bulls fullback Warrick Gelant and Sharks duo Sbu Nkosi and Makazole Mapimpi in check.

Kuridrani said the Wallabies had worked hard on defence.

“We’ve been working really hard on combinations for this weekend, especially in defence.

“They’ve got pace out wide so we’re expecting that, we’ve been working on our connections to try not to give them space because they’re very quick.”

AAP

In other news:

Video Spacer
ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 6

Sam Warburton | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

Japan Rugby League One | Sungoliath v Eagles | Full Match Replay

Japan Rugby League One | Spears v Wild Knights | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 10 | Six Nations Final Round Review

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | How can New Zealand rugby beat this Ireland team

Beyond 80 | Episode 5

Rugby Europe Men's Championship Final | Georgia v Portugal | Full Match Replay

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

B
Bull Shark 47 minutes ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

29 Go to comments
TRENDING
TRENDING Dean Richards set for return to rugby management Dean Richards set for return to rugby management
Search