A three-game prohibition has concluded Samu Kerevi's autumn tour, significantly impacting his future prospects with the Wallabies and paving the way for Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's comeback against Scotland. The midfielder's caution for a forceful challenge was elevated to a 20-minute expulsion following Australia's victory over Wales in Cardiff on Sunday (AEDT). The 31-year-old's punishment was confirmed on Wednesday when a judicial body affirmed the original ruling and reduced the typical six-week penalty given his admission of guilt, contrition, and clean disciplinary record. Kerevi may reduce his suspension by one match upon completing World Rugby's mentorship initiative, but his tour of the British Isles is terminated.
He'll be absent from this weekend's Scotland match and his Japanese club team Urayasu D-Rocks' initial practice match. The final Ireland contest falls outside the recognized international period. Kerevi was already unavailable for that encounter and thus not reviewed by the panel. The Wales match marked Kerevi's return to international play after a 13-month hiatus, dating back to the Wallabies' unsuccessful World Cup campaign. Suaalii, who entered the game against Wales as a substitute, is poised to reclaim his starting position, a role he excelled in during his debut against England two weeks prior. Alternative choices encompass Hamish Stewart and Josh Flook, promoted to the main team from the touring Australian XV following Dylan Pietsch's injury.