‘Tevita Kuridrani threat being wasted’ – Bob Dwyer

Former Wallabies coach Bob Dwyer believes the threat posed by the team’s first-choice outside centre, Tevita Kuridrani, is in danger of being wasted.

Dwyer, who guided Australia to Rugby World Cup glory in 1991, said it’s not too late for Wallabies selectors to be experimenting ahead of the global showpiece in Japan.

Australia have played Kuridrani alongside Samu Kerevi as their centres in their two Rugby Championship matches against South Africa and Argentina. Both are brilliant runners and not renowned for their playmaking or kicking skills.

“It’s been a bit disappointing to date, you’d hardly think Kuridrani would have played,” Dwyer told AAP.

“Certainly in the first Test you thought you’re not too sure if he was on the field.

“But I wouldn’t put that down to Kuridrani’s form, he’s been in very good form and he needs to be getting the ball more.

“They’ve both played pretty well.

“Kerevi’s ball-carrying has been terrific, He made lots and lots of yards, but he hasn’t given Kuridrani the opportunities to carry for lots and lots of yards and to me that lessens the threat.

“Not that I would think necessarily of changing that (combination), but I would be doing a bit of work to add some things to it so that each of them are capable of asking more questions.”

Dwyer feels the Wallabies selectors can still try different options, instead of picking a combination to take on the All Blacks in Perth on August 10 and sticking with it until the World Cup.

“I think there is time for experimenting,” he added.

“You are looking to see where there are areas you might be able to get some improvement.

“Putting people into teams that might not have been considered a first choice, moving people around.

“New Zealand in their last game (against South Africa) moved Beauden Barrett to fullback so they could try Richie Mo’unga at fly-half, to see what’s going to be their best combination.”