We need to win games while we are developing our playing stock. It was ever thus, and will continue to be. We just do not have enough top-line players.
Kerevi's a great player but I don't think he helps the team. We need to develop the long term options who are based here.
You obviously haven't been observing enough of recent matches then.. and Samu is still only 26.
I watched the Top League and Kerevi was the player who had the single biggest contribution for Suntory & any Top League team for that matter, including B.Barrett. The only fixture of the season that Suntory lost was the only match Kerevi was unavailable for injured, which was the grand final. They only lost by 5 points and he would've made an enormous difference to the outcome.
Samu is a 108kg battering ram. The Wallabies have a terrible balance to their backline currently and at international level need at least one big frame preferably in the centres or outside backs. They need penetration in the midfield, preferably at 13. Both Kerevi and Petaia can provide it. Having Kerevi at 13 with Petaia at 15 would be even better & would give them more line-breaking ability.
Paisami & Ikitau were easily contained by the young French, didn't even put a dent in their defensive line. If Rennie can call in Duncan.. he can call in Kerevi since he'll be available after the Olympic 7s.
I don't think centre is our big issue. I'd want a lock and a LHP to back up Slipper before I wanted Kerevi back.
Has he learned about passing the pill yet? If he has, SIGN HIM NOW!!
Kerevi and Paisami are competing for the same spot in my eyes, with Kerevi probably just edging Paisami out at this stage.
I don't think we'd want both playing together- too many dropped balls in contact and the outside backs would never see the ball!
Respectfully disagree - Paisami and Kerevi are too similar and limited to be paired together. Granted Kerevi is probably slightly more robust in contact and Paisami slightly better at distributing, neither of them instinctually look to involve other players. You would hate to play outside them. At international level being big and abrasive isn’t enough.I like Hunter at 12, he may not disperse the ball passing as well as some of our great 12's interms of creating tries but offers a decent running threat & his kicking game is not too bad. Then on the outside you can have your big bull to crash the edges at 13. I think this could be a very good midfield for the gold jersey.
I think the tune would change for many people if Hunter was knocked out in the first Bledisloe. I'd welcome Kerevi back to the squad even if it was simple to bolster the squad depth.
In any event, Kerevi looks to be in Australia quarantine based on his IG.
Don’t know if someone has mentioned earlier but Samu used to tear up Coogee Oval for Randwick at 12. I know it’s a large step up in standard, plus he has aged and bulked up for forward play. So not sure it’s even feasible or that he’s the next best option but he knows the position.
Has Duncan P signed for a super franchise?