Reds skipper Kerevi in doubt for Wallabies

Jun 2, 2017 - 10:19 AM Samu Kerevi is in extreme doubt for the Wallabies' Test against Fiji next weekend after suffering an ankle injury in Queensland's heartbreaking 34-29 Super Rugby loss to the Blues in Samoa.

Kerevi was forced off with a suspected syndesmosis injury in the 10th minute of the historic clash at Apia Park, while lock Lukhan Tui also hurt his left shoulder just minutes into the second half.

It is a double blow for Australian coach Michael Cheika, after picking them both in his 34-man squad for June's trio of Tests.

Kerevi, born in Fiji, is desperate to play against them at Melbourne's AAMI Park in the first of Australia's three June assignments.

"I doubt that'll happen," Reds coach Nick Stiles said.

"We won't know until the scan but it doesn't look good at this stage."

Tui, 20, looked shattered as he trudged off just a few days after his shock call-up, but Stiles rated him a better chance of recovering in time for Wallabies camp.

"Lukhan seems fine - a shoulder knock, nothing major," Stiles said.

"We didn't want to risk him damaging it further. The medicos don't seem too stressed about it."

Kerevi's injury was the last thing the Reds needed, compounding a disastrous start after the Blues scored two easy tries inside the opening seven minutes through Rene Ranger and Rieko Ioane.

Instead of capitulating, the Reds fought back manfully in a second-half rollercoaster - but in the story of their season, they couldn't finish the job.

They went into halftime down 20-12 but piled on 10 unanswered points to take the lead - and, although they let it slip, they took it back instantly through Taniela Tupou's second try of the night.

Their resistance was finally broken with Stephen Perofeta's runaway effort in the 74th minute.

It continues Australia's miserable losing run against New Zealand franchises, which stands at 27 consecutive defeats going back to last season.

However, Stiles will take heart from the performance after their embarrassing display at home last week against the Western Force, which ended their finals' hopes.

Stiles looked to youth as he made four changes to his starting side to try to provoke a response and two of the players he promoted, Tupou and Andrew Ready, scored tries.

"They could have quit at 12-0 down, Samu going off as well," Stiles said.

"They could have put the white flag up but they didn't, so that was pleasing.

"I'm obviously disappointed with losing the game, but I'm stoked with those young kids. They showed some proper character."

Source: AAP