Samu Kerevi switches to Sevens ahead of Tokyo Olympics

Colin Newboult

Australia Sevens coach Tim Walsh has confirmed that former Wallaby star Samu Kerevi has switched to the shorter form of the game.

The ex-Reds centre will look to put himself in contention for the Tokyo Olympics after finishing his season in Japan’s Top League with Suntory Sungoliath.

Kerevi is currently quarantining in a hotel and will join up with the Sevens squad when that has been completed.

Impact player

“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,” Walsh told the Sydney Morning Herald.

“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.”

Walsh admits that it would be a challenge for Kerevi to switch to Sevens, but believes that he has the capabilities of succeeding.

“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 15s 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.

“It’s going to be difficult but we’re certainly loving that he’s interested and wants to get a crack.“

Other stars in the 15-man code have tried and failed to impress in Sevens but Walsh insists that the best way is to simply give him an opportunity in training and games.

“We will just throw him in the deep end and see how he plays and trains,” he added. “He’s a fantastic player. And he’s certainly expressed a desire to be involved. I welcome that.

“But now it’s up to him to see if he can get himself not only in a position to play but to perform and make himself eligible.”

Australia Samu Kerevi

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