Wallabies star in shock switch to Sevens
SPOTLIGHT: Australia and former Reds captain Samu Kerevi is reportedly set to chase an Olympic medal in Tokyo with the sevens squad.
According to Sydney Morning Herald, Kerevi has been in contact with Australia seven coach Tim Walsh since he joined the Japanese side Suntory Sungoliath after teh World Cup in 2019.
Following Suntory’s disappointing defeat against Panasonic in Sunday’s Top League final, Kerevi returned to Sydney in the hope of making the Olympic squad.
The reports revealed that Kerevi will join the sevens squad at Moore Park after quarantined.
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Speaking to the Herald, Walsh made no guarantees the 27-year-old will be selected in his squad for Tokyo.
“He’s Fijian – it’s in his blood. But it’s a big ask. There is no guarantee whatsoever,” Walsh said.
“He’s a world-class fifteens player but the sevens game is physically different. And it’s a team game.
“You have your combinations and your cohesion but everything is magnified. Knowing your role and the ins and outs of sevens.
“I doubt he would end up being a 14-minute player. He’s more of your impact player that will have a real injection into the game.
“I could be wrong but for any player to be a resilient, 14-minute player unless you’ve done it before it could take six or 12 months to even get to that mental and physical side of things.”
He added: “It’s going to be difficult but we’re certainly loving that he’s interested and wants to get a crack,”
Source: Sydney Morning Herald
