There’s no escaping the need to win but Wallabies centre Samu Kerevi says the side isn’t desperate for a victory, heading into this weekend’s Test against South Africa.
Both teams go into Saturday’s clash under immense pressure, with the Wallabies winless against the All Blacks and South Africa losing to Argentina in their most recent outing, but Kerevi said they simply needed to move on from their poor start to the year.
“I don't think there's any desperation from us,” he said.
“We're excited by the challenge. We can't do anything about what's gone on in the last couple of weeks but again, there will be a tough game.
“Both teams obviously want to win, it's just about putting our best foot forward.”
Kerevi has played three Tests now, starting at inside centre in June and outside in Wellington, and said playing against New Zealand across the ditch had been his biggest challenge.
“Playing Test footy, everything's a big quicker,” he said.
“The contact is a bit harder. But you play in New Zealand, they grow an extra leg when they play there. For us, we have to grow an extra leg and play well.”
While genetic modification is out of the question for this weekend, Kerevi said they'd need to lean on hard work to turn their fortunes around.
“At the end of the day, though, we've got two legs and they've got two legs and we've just got to make sure we work hard on what we need to work on and come a day, anyone can win.”
In Wellington, Kerevi was preferred in the starting team to childhood friend Tevita Kuridrani for the first time and he said both players were better for the competition.
“It's been real good,” he said.
“It's funny, we've been talking a lot, making sure we get the best out of each other, especially both playing outside centre.
“We work hard at training, doing our extras together but at the same time when it comes down to it we really push each other. It's a healthy relationship.”
Kerevi’s challenge won’t get much easier against the Springboks, if he is picked again, facing South Africa’s powerful midfield options, including Damian De Allende and Jesse Kriel.
“They're a very good combination, playing against De Allende in the Stormers game, he's a big boy and real strong,” he said.
“I've just got to make sure I get it done early if I'm playing them and attack-wise, utilise the space around us.”
The Wallabies host South Africa at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, kicking off at 8:05pm AEST, LIVE on FOXSPORTS. Buy tickets here.
