Queensland Reds centre Samu Kerevi is set for one of his biggest challenges this weekend when he goes head-to-head with Springboks centre Damian De'Allande.
After a slow start to the season Kerevi is starting to hit his straps after standout performances in the Reds' last two matches scoring three tries, making 249 run metres and beating 12 defenders against the Highlanders and Bulls.
It's this sort of scintillating form that saw the barnstorming centre called into Michael Cheika's most recent Wallabies camp.
"When we went down to camp it was more about team bonding, getting to know the other boys in other states," Kerevi said.
"Helping us with our mental prep, for myself he helped me get my preparation right off the field and leading up to games telling me to run hard when I get the opportunity to."
Kerevi is already starting to see the benefits from the camp with his preparation being a key factor to his turnaround in form and something that is very much a focus ahead of the Reds clash against the Stormers.
"I've just got to prepare the best that I can," Kerevi said.
“For myself it's just doing the little things throughout the week and getting my body right.
“I can’t look too far forward to who's playing and who's not, but for me it's about putting my best foot forward."
While the Reds have recorded just one win this season the club is starting to show more fight on the field, as seen by their victory over 2015 champions the Highlanders two weeks ago and their 65-minute effort against the Bulls.
The young Reds brigade will need be ready for another tough challenge against the big South African side, with physicality at the breakdown being a focus at training this week.
"Training today was real tough, there was a lot of contact and a lot of things that we had to get right from the Bulls game but the boys got stuck in," Kerevi said.
"Breakdown is another key area for us and collision and physicality we need to bring to the game."
Saturday’s clash will be the first time Kerevi plays the Stormers, but it presents the perfect opportunity to show if he can match it on the big stage against class opposition.
“In the backline they've (Stormers) got some sick players, they've got De'allande the South African centre so for myself I'm excited for that opportunity.
It's just the whole team, they've got a big pack and we've just got front up.
The Reds take on the Stormers at 11pm AEST Saturday, LIVE on FOX SPORTS
