Kerevi, Valetini to start against Pumas

Fiji-born Olympian Samu Kerevi and second-row forward Rob Valetini have been named to start for the Wallabies in their re-match against Argentina on Saturday.

Kerevi who has become a sensation for the Wallabies on his return has got in his finest and fittest form.

He has been stunning the crowd with his performance from setting up tries to scoring tries for the Wallabies.

The 28-year-old has become the secret backbone in getting Australia three consecutive wins after four years.

Fox Sports has revealed the Wallabies have made three changes to the starting side to take on Mario Ledesma’s embarrassed Argentinian side on the Gold Coast.

Jordan Petaia has come onto the right-wing following Marika Koroibete’s departure, which has seen Andrew Kellaway shift to the left-wing and allowed Tom Wright to come onto the bench.

Up front, Darcy Swain will start ahead of Matt Philip who drops back to the bench while Pete Samu has also been promoted with Rob Leota, who “unfortunately” misses out after “impressing” Wallabies selectors.

But as well-deserved as the stars are for Swain and Samu, it is the changes on the bench which were the headline acts.

Brumbies hooker Lachlan Lonergan and Waratahs halfback Jake Gordon have both been given opportunities to press their claims for the Spring Tour squad, which Rennie confirmed is shaping as a 36-man touring party.

Sean McMahon’s own four-year international absence is over, with the 27-year-old loose-forward named to come off the bench where he will likely play at blindside flanker.

Wallabies: Reece Hodge, Jordan Petaia, Len Ikitau, Samu Kerevi, Andrew Kellaway, Quade Cooper, Nic White, Rob Valetini, Michael Hooper (c), Pete Samu, Darcy Swain, Izack Rodda, Taniela Tupou, Folau Fainga’a, James Slipper

Reserves: Lachlan Lonergan, Angus Bell, Greg Holmes, Matt Philip, Sean McMahon, Jake Gordon, James O’Connor, Tom Wright

The Wallabies will take on the Pumas at 7.05pm on Saturday.

By Romeka Romena