Wallabies skipper James Horwill says Tevita Kuridrani will bring some valuable size to their side when he makes his run-on debut in their rugby Test against South Africa on Saturday.
Kuridrani has been named at outside centre for a brutal Rugby Championship clash at Newlands after two appearances off the bench against New Zealand in August.
The Wallabies are massive underdogs after their 38-12 battering in their last meeting in Brisbane.
As well as his physical presence, standing 196cm and 102kg, Horwill said the Fijian-born Kuridrani was impressive with ball in hand.
He played club rugby in Queensland with the 22-year-old but saw him slip from the Reds’ clutches when he left their Academy program to play with the Brumbies.
“He’s probably one of the best line runners that has come out of Australian rugby; he runs some great angles,” said Horwill.
“I think he really suits that outside centre role.
“He’s got the bigger body to hit the ball up in the midfield.
“I think it’s been a key thing from the Brumbies by playing him at 13 it’s been a big help to their game and to his.”
Veteran Adam Ashley-Cooper moved to wing to open up the outside centre position for Kuridrani.
Joe Tomane is the other winger after the axing of James O’Connor and injury to Nick Cummins following their one-point win over Argentina.
The inclusion of lock Horwill after missing the last two Tests with a hamstring injury is the only other change to the run-on side as they look to end a losing streak in Cape Town that goes back to 1992.
Horwill said the Wallabies took a cautious approach with his recovery after requiring surgery on his other hamstring last year.
He said the two injuries were very different.
“It’s been good, it wasn’t a traditional hamstring where you’re sprinting for something and it tore.
“It was pretty minor, the tear, but one of those things where there’s no point in pushing it.”
Aust: Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, Joe Tomane, Quade Cooper, Nic White, Ben Mowen, Michael Hooper, Scott Fardy, James Horwill (c), Rob Simmons, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, James Slipper. Res: Saia Faingaa, Benn Robinson, Sekope Kepu, Sitaleki Timani, Ben McCalman, Will Genia, Matt Toomua, Chris Feauai-Sautia.
