Powerful Wallabies centre Samu Kerevi welcomes a new partner for Bledisloe Cup battle

Samu Kerevi has welcomed a third different starting combination in three Tests in the Wallabies’ centres for Saturday night’s battle with New Zealand.

Powerful Wallabies centre Samu Kerevi is keen to dominate New Zealand on Saturday. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Samu Kerevi has hailed the “chopping and changing” of Australia’s centre combinations as he prepares to partner expected inclusion Izaia Perese in Saturday night’s Bledisloe Cup battle.

With Len Ikitau injured, 26-year-old former Brisbane Bronco Perese is tipped to be named in the centres alongside Kerevi when the Wallabies host New Zealand at the MCG.

“He’s definitely a big option for us,” Wallabies coach Eddie Jones told rugby/com.au when quizzed on the selection chances of Waratahs centre Perese, who has made just three Test appearances.

“He’s trained really well. He’s really elevated himself. He’s got a great attitude to learn and is impressing us all-round.”

Izaia Perese (left) chats with Wallabies coach Eddie Jones at training. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Regardless of who partners Kerevi, it will be Australia’s third different starting centre combination in three Tests under Jones in his second stint as Wallabies coach.

And that can only benefit the Wallabies as they prepare for the Rugby World Cup, which starts in September in France, according to Kerevi.

“We’ve been chopping and changing our (number) 12s and 13s, getting different combinations in – it’s been great for our growth,” the Japan-based former Queensland Reds captain said.

“Lenny (Ikitau) is a great pilferer for us in that cornerstone, defensively, and he’s shown it throughout the year, but (his absence) gives great opportunities for other guys to step into that space and (have) more of that growth that we need.

“It’s now created great competition for those 12 and 13 jumpers.”

Kerevi is desperate to regain his “world-class” status in his ongoing return from a serious knee injury he suffered representing Australia in rugby sevens at last year’s Commonwealth Games.

“Obviously, after a long lay-off, (I’m) just finding that groove again and that rhythm for myself, finding where I fit in terms of the team and where I can be my best,” he said.

“I’m still building to where I want to be. I want to be a world-class player and a world-class centre,

“There’s always going to be room for improvement, and ceilings are always going to get pushed, not just for myself, but other players around the squad.

“I want to peak at the right time.”

Samu Kerevi is ready for the might of New Zealand. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“Kerevi said the Wallabies “weren’t happy” with their performances in Rugby Championship losses to South Africa and Argentina.

“Eddie (Jones) being Eddie, the intensity was always going to lift leading into the next (two) Test matches (against New Zealand),” he said.

“As a team we needed to lift the intensity at training and create some great habits leading into these next two games but especially this game in front of our home fans.

“It’ll be the last opportunity we get (to play at home before leaving for the World Cup).”