The Wallabies have received a major blow with centre Samu Kerevi ruled out for the rest of the year.
Kerevi suffered a knee injury during the Commonwealth Games after making the switch to the seven-a-side format.
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He picked up the knock during a 7-5 win over Kenya, not playing any further part in the tournament.
Whilst he initially thought it was just a cork, scans have revealed further damage, ruling him out for the rest of the season.
“It was just a knock; I’ll get checked out but it feels alright,” Kerevi said at the time.
“I’m always confident (I’ll play) but I’ll get a doc on it and see. It was just a big bang but then once it settled down it was fine.”
The diagnosis is a nightmare result for Dave Rennie’s men, further adding to their injury list after losing Tom Banks (arm), Andrew Kellaway (hamstring) and Izack Rodda (foot) amongst several others.
Kerevi played an integral role in the Wallabies’ Rugby Championship campaign, eventually earning nomination for World Rugby Player of the Year.
His long-term injury will see Hunter Paisami likely step into the inside centre role, competing with returning squad members Lalakai Foketi and Irae Simone.
Along with this, it clears the way for Rory Arnold to remain with the squad for the long term as the third overseas selection.
Arnold was brought into the squad for the Argentina tour with Kerevi off with the Sevens squad, joining Quade Cooper and Marika Koroibete.
