Kerevi keen to carry momentum into UK Test
RAMPAGING centre Samu Kerevi says Australia’s renewed defensive starch has helped his impressive return to the Test arena.
Man-of-the-match against Italy in last weekend’s 26-7 victory, Kerevi plans for a similarly explosive outing against England at Twickenham, but Australia will need injured flanker David Pocock on the field to be any chance.
The Wallabies are hopeful Pocock will recover from a “neck stinger” that forced him off the field in the 52nd minute, as he is the key to the defence Kerevi spoke of after the win, given his turnover abilities.
Kerevi made a game-high 14 runs for 127 metres, including a linebreak, three tackle busts and an offload.
“I just get the guys geeing up, I just try to do my job for the team especially on those edges, carrying strong,” Kerevi said.
“My performance comes on the back of the team’s performance and for us it’s momentum through defence. I feel like when we defend really well, it transitions to attack.
“Hopefully we start the game well in defence, England’s going to be another challenge.”
Winger Adam Ashley-Cooper was also impressive in his return to Test rugby after more than two years in hiatus with overseas clubs, making two linebreaks and playing a hand in both of Marika Koroibete’s first-half tries.
Taniela Tupou and Will Genia also crossed for tries, but coach Michael Cheika wants his side to be more clinical against England.
“It’s more about taking the opportunities that we’re creating,” he said.