The resurgent Wallabies are hoping they might still be able to bring their top centre pairing, Samu Kerevi and Tevita Kuridrani, to Cardiff with them for next month’s Under Armour Series.
Kerevi hasn’t played for four months after undergoing surgery on a ruptured bicep and the Queensland Reds centre isn’t due to play this weekend, which means he is almost certain to miss the Bledisloe Cup clash with Australia in Japan the following week.
But head coach Michael Cheika still hopes to have him available for the clash with World Cup pool rivals Wales at Principality Stadium on 10 November.
The Fijian-born Kerevi lined-up in the Wallaby midfield with the 58-times capped Kuridrani, who has a 100% record against Wales with four wins four of four, in their 29-21 victory over Wales in the Welsh capital last year.
Cheika feared he would be ruled out of the rest of the year, but his rehabilitation has progressed quicker than first thought.
Kuridrani has been out of action for the past three months with a pectoral injury and is hoping to get in a game over the next few weeks.
He is considered less likely than Kerevi of proving his fitness in time.
Cheika is also weighing up the option of taking fit-again flanker Jack Dempsey. He is back to full fitness after four games for the Sydney Rays.
2018 Under Armour Series at Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Saturday, 3 November Wales v Scotland
Saturday, 10 November Wales v Australia
Saturday, 17 November Wales v Tonga
Saturday, 24 November Wales v South Africa
Ticket Information can be found HERE (http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/tickets/index.php)
