Kerevi out, Korbiete in Australia's squad for European tour

By Associated Press 26 October 2016, 12:00AM

SYDNEY (AP) — Samu Kerevi has been ruled out of Australia's squad for the tour to Europe next month after undergoing surgery on the ankle he injured in the Bledisloe Cup loss to New Zealand on the weekend.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika announced his 32-man squad on Tuesday, selecting three uncapped players including rugby league convert Marika Koroibete.

The Fiji-born Koroibete played for Melbourne Storm in the National Rugby League but has switched to the 15-a-side code and could potentially make his international debut before playing Super Rugby for the Melbourne Rebels.

Hooker Tolu Latu and outside back Kyle Goodwin were the other uncapped players picked in the squad that will attempt to win the Grand Slam — victories at the home grounds of Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and England — for the first time since 1984.

The absence of Kerevi could open the way for Israel Folau to move from fullback to outside center, where he played for the New South Wales Waratahs last season.

Scrumhalf Will Genia has been released by Stade Francais for the tour, meaning he's available for tests inside the November international window.

The Australians leave Friday and open the tour — the Wallabies' 600th test — against Wales in Cardiff on Nov. 6. Australia will play Scotland at Murrayfield on Nov. 13, France in Paris on Nov. 20, Ireland in Dublin on Nov. 27 and wrap up the tour with a test against England at Twickenham on Dec. 4.

The Australians beat England at Twickenham in the group stage of the 2015 World Cup en route to the final.

England toured in June and swept the series 3-0, its first series win on Australian soil.

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Australia squad: Allan Alaalatoa, Rory Arnold, Adam Coleman, Quade Cooper, Kane Douglas, Scott Fardy, Israel Folau, Bernard Foley, Nick Frisby, Will Genia, Kyle Godwin, James Hanson, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Michael Hooper, Sekope Kepu, Marika Koroibete, Tevita Kuridrani, Tolu Latu, Sean McMahon, Stephen Moore (captain), Dean Mumm, Sefanaia Naivalu, Nick Phipps, David Pocock, Tom Robertson, Rob Simmons, Scott Sio, Will Skelton, Henry Speight, James Slipper, Lopeti Timani.

By Associated Press 26 October 2016, 12:00AM
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