Forget about Folau, can the Wallabies replace Kuridrani?

Forget about Folau, can the Wallabies replace Kuridrani?

All the focus is on how Michael Cheika will fill the void left by Israel Folau at 15 as they test out Haylett-Petty and Beale at the back but should they not be concerned about who will fill the 13 jumper should Tevita Kuridrani not be available for selection.

Kuridrani has been a constant in squad for most of his career except missing out on the 2018 tests due to injury.

In 2018 he suffered a pectoral injury missing the entire Rugby Championships as well as the November Internationals after earning a recall when he missed out on selection for the Ireland incoming series. In 2016 he was relegated to the bench when Australia experimented with Foley at 12 and Kerevi at 13 during the Rugby Championship.




The 102kg 58 test midifelder missed selection for just a single international for a 3 years running from 2015-2017 playing 38 of the 41 tests.  

Since 2014 Kuridrani has played in 47 of the 65 (72%) tests for the Wallabies and they have been unable to find suitable cover.


Samu Kerevi and Reece Hodge have both played there on the international stage but those options require a backline shuffle for Cheika's men. 

Curtis Rona has been an option but heads to London Irish making him unavailable for selection and Jordan Petaia at 19 may be the long term option.

Michael Cheika will have to make some big calls should Kuridrani not be in contention but his current group has some seasoned veterans to pick from with Adam Ashley-Cooper & James O'Connor in the mix.



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