Marika Koroibete’s hopes of featuring in the British and Irish Lions Test series have been given a boost after the Japan-based winger was named as one of three Wallabies in the AUNZ Invitational clash in Adelaide on July 12.
But the same can’t be said about damaging midfielder Samu Kerevi, with expensive insurance rates likely denying him the chance to push for selection in the Test series.
After a handful of All Blacks, including David Havili and Ngani Laumape, were named in Les Kiss’ side earlier this week, Koroibete was named in the side to take on the Lions along with hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Waratahs recruit Pete Samu.
The Wallabies trio are hoping to all feature in the three-match Test series, which gets underway in Brisbane on July 19.
Paenga-Amosa, who started in the final Test of the year last year, initially missed selection in Joe Schmidt’s first Wallabies squad of the year, but had a promising hit out for the Force in the tour opener in Perth last week. In particular, his scrummaging stood out as the Force bettered the Lions in the set-piece area in the first half.
Samu’s inclusion comes after the versatile back-rower signed with the Waratahs after two seasons with Bordeaux in the Top 14.
While many would have hoped to see the 33-Test back-rower line up for the Waratahs on Saturday, the fact his campaign with Bordeaux ended on the final weekend of the competition meant he was never going to be available for Saturday’s provincial clash against the Lions.
Marika Koroibete will take on the Lions in Adelaide for the AUNZ Invitational clash. (Photo: by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Koroibete, meanwhile, has long wanted to line up against the Lions.
The two-time John Eales Medallist, who featured in last year’s Rugby Championship, told The Roar Rugby podcast last month that he craved a return to the side.
“It’d be great to play in the Lions series,” Koroibete said.
“It’s massive. It’s something you want to add to your resume, but in saying that, they’ve got a lot of talented back three coming up, so it’s going to be up to the coaching staff if they want me. But I’m available.”
After being one of the Wallabies’ most consistent players over the past decade, Koroibete admitted his form wasn’t as strong as usual but added that he wasn’t helped by his last-minute call up.
“I thought I was done with the Wallabies until I got a call from Schmidty, and he wanted me to come in,” Koroibete said.
“Physically, I wasn’t great for international. As you can see from last year, my mind wasn’t there because I thought I was done with the international (game).”
He added: “After they went for their end of year tour, I reflected that my form wasn’t great. It was something I took for granted. This year, if they want me to be a part of the group, I’m sure I’ll be better than last year.”
Samu Kerevi at Wallabies training in 2024. (Photo by Julius Dimataga/ Rugby Australia)
The sight of Koroibete playing for the AUNZ side will likely give Australian rugby fans some optimism and also send a shiver down the spines of many in the Lions camp given his brutal, hard-hitting approach in the backline.
But Andy Farrell’s men will likely be happy to see Kerevi – the 111kg midfielder – was passed over in Kiss’ squad.
The Roar understands Rugby Australia baulked at the idea of shelling out a five-figure sum to insure Kerevi’s contract, which is worth more than $1 million in Japan.
