A three-match suspension has ended Samu Kerevi’s spring tour, jolting his longer-term Wallabies hopes and opening the door for Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i’s return against Scotland.
The centre’s yellow card for a high shot was upgraded to a 20-minute red in Australia’s defeat of Wales in Cardiff on Sunday (AEDT).
The 31-year-old’s fate was sealed on Wednesday when a disciplinary committee upheld the on-field decision and halved the standard six-week ban due to his guilt, remorse and good record.
Kerevi can scratch another game off that suspension if he completes World Rugby’s coaching intervention program, but his British Isles tour is over.
He will miss this weekend’s Scotland Test and his Japanese club side Urayasu D-Rocks’ first trial game.
The final Ireland Test falls outside the international window. Kerevi was unavailable for that match anyway and therefore not considered by the panel.
The Wales Test was Kerevi’s first in 13 months, since the Wallabies’ ill-fated World Cup.
Sua’ali’i, who came off the bench against Wales, is primed to return to the starting position he impressed in on debut against England a fortnight ago.
Other options include Hamish Stewart and Josh Flook, who have joined the top side from the touring Australian XV squad after Dylan Pietsch’s injury.
AAP
