The 25-year-old Kerevi hasn’t played since the third Test against Ireland in June after rupturing his bicep and Hodge started at outside centre in all six games in his absence. Kerevi eased his way back into action at a sevens tournament this month, and has been named on the bench for the third and final Bledisloe Cup match against New Zealand in Yokohama this weekend.
The All Blacks have already retained the trophy after their back-to-back wins in the Rugby Championship, so the game in Japan will give Aussie head coach Michael Cheika the chance to prepare for the three games in Europe next month, starting with the Under Armour Series clash with Wales at Principality Stadium on 10 November.
The fact that this weekend’s team contains the likes of back row luminaries Michael Hooper and David Pocock, and a midfield duo of Kurtley Beale and Israel Folau, means the Wallabies are desperate for a winning finish before getting on that long flight to Cardiff.Â
Centre Tevita Kuridrani has been left out as he continues his recovery from a pectoral muscle injury sustained in July, but Sefa Naivalu, who played his last match against Italy in 2017, will add to his seven caps.
Also on the bench is back row man Jack Dempsey, He has been included after missing the entire season with a serious hamstring injury.
With this weekend’s game being outside the international window, the Leicester Tigers duo, hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau and centre Matt Toomua, have been omitted. Cheika could still include them for next month’s games in Cardiff, Italy and England when he finalises his tour party after a training camp in Japan.
Israel Folau, who earlier this week signed a four year contract extension with the Waratahs and Wallabies, is set to play at centre this weekend and could go head-to-head with Wales and British & Irish Lions star Jonathan Davies in a mouthwatering midfield battle in the Welsh capital next month.
Tight head prop Sekope Kepu is set to win his 100th cap for the Wallabies this weekend.
Australian team to face New Zealand in Yokohama:Â Dane Haylett-Petty, Sefa Naivalu, Israel Folau, Kurtley Beale, Marika Koroibete, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Allan Alaalatoa, Folau Faingaa, Scott Sio, Rob Simmons, Izack Rodda, David Pocock, Michael Hooper (c), Ned Hanigan.
Reserves: Tolu Latu, Sekope Kepu, Taniela Tupou, Rory Arnold, Jack Dempsey, Pete Samu, Nick Phipps, Samu Kerevi, Tom Banks (one to be omitted).
2018 Under Armour Series at Principality Stadium
Saturday, 03 November – WALES V SCOTLAND (14:45)
Saturday, 10 November – WALES V AUSTRALIA (17:20)
Saturday, 17 November – WALES V TONGA (14:30)
Saturday, 24 November – WALES V SOUTH AFRICA (17:20)
Buy Tickets Here.
