0 
0 Marika Koroibete is urging Hunter Paisami to show off his own “super powers” rather than trying to be a Samu Kerevi clone in the Rugby Championship.
The Wallabies were hit by devastating news on Tuesday with star centre Kerevi ruled out for the rest of 2022 after suffering a serious knee injury at the Commonwealth Games.
A World Rugby player of the year nominee for 2021, Kerevi is arguably Australia’s most influential on-field figure and without him their championship hopes dip significantly.
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However, Kerevi was already going to miss the tournament’s opening two games in Argentina with Paisami the obvious replacement in the No.12 jersey.
“He’s kind of a different player from Samu, he’s got his own game, his own super powers,” Koroibete said from Buenos Aires where the Wallabies are preparing for Sunday’s (5.10am AEST) clash with the Pumas in Mendoza.
“He’s got ball skills, he brings energy and he loves to hit – I reckon he’s going to do a very good job.”
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Len Ikitau is likely to partner Paisami in the centres with Lalakai Foketi and Irae Simone the other specialist midfield options available to Dave Rennie and the selectors.
“Obviously very disappointed for Samu, had a chat with him just before,” Ikitau said.
“I know the type of person he is, and he’s going to bounce back and be right for next year. For us, though, it’s a next man in mentality, coming in and doing the job.”
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Koroibete also had a clear expectation of how Argentina would play under their new coach – former Wallabies mentor Michael Cheika.
The Pumas opened the Cheika era with a 2-1 home series win over Scotland in July.
“He’s going to rev up the boys, that’s who he is, so it’s super important for us to start well,” Koroibete said.
“They’re going to come for us, especially as it’s at their home ground here.
“We know the Argentinians for the last decade have been so passionate and now with Cheika on top too.”
The Springboks host the All Blacks in the tournament’s opening game on Sunday (AEST).
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