'Sky is the limit': Wallabies star Samu Kerevi says Len Ikitau can be the world's best outside centre

Kerevi brushes off talk he is the game's premier centre - he says that mantle belongs to All Black David Havili - but his impact upon his return to the Wallabies XV cannot be understated.

The 28-year-old still boasts that trademark explosive power fans have missed since he left for Japan, and a newfound level of maturity in both Kerevi's game and demeanour has allowed Quade Cooper to play a masterfully understated role in his own comeback to Test rugby.

Kerevi and Cooper have naturally drawn the bulk of the headlines following triumphant comebacks leading into Australia's final Rugby Championship clash with Argentina on the Gold Coast on Saturday.

But there's a Test rookie wearing the Wallabies' No. 13 jersey who has quickly come of age in the Test arena - so much so that Kerevi and Cooper are willing to let Ikitau's voice override their own.

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"The sky is the limit for him, he could be the world's best 13 if he wanted to be," Kerevi said.

"He's got outstanding defence, his attacking game has got an awesome feel on everything, and he reads the game well. Just more opportunities in the jersey will keep growing his confidence. He's signed another two years with the club and country so I'm excited to see where he goes.

"He is giving me a lot of energy and a lot of growth in the defensive side of things. Quadey and I have been talking to him heaps about overcommunicating and being really loud, because he is usually a really shy guy and doesn't really talk a lot.

"We've had to bring that out of him, because at Test level, the opportunities we miss can be a game-winner or to lose a game.

"For us, it's about giving him confidence in that space, in his 13 channels, and to own that space. Whatever calls he makes, if it's early enough, it will overshadow Quade's call or my call, because we're trusting him with it.

"I'm trying to get Lenny off his PlayStation, he's playing 2K too much, and trying to connect with him more so on the field it's a more polished performance we can have together."

Saturday's clash brings down the curtain on Australia's Rugby Championship campaign, with players to be given a short window to return home - many for the first time since June - before boarding a flight to Japan.

The Wallabies will face the Brave Blossoms in Oita on October 23, before heading away on a Spring Tour comprising of matches against Scotland, England and Wales.

Rory Arnold, Will Skelton and Tolu Latu are among those overseas-based players in Dave Rennie's sights, with some players in the Rugby Championship squad to be left out of the touring party following a long stint on the road.

"Everyone has had their struggles, players, coaches and staff members as well. A lot of Sydney boys haven't been home since June, since Super Rugby, since the French series, which is a long time ago now that you think about it," Wallabies prop James Slipper said.

"One thing I'll say is the feeling in the squad and the camp off the field has been really, really positive. We're a tight group and a group that enjoys being around each other, and that goes a long way in a year like this year with COVID around. It has been tough but it has still been enjoyable.

"Any time you get to represent your country, little sacrifices like staying away from family, it makes it worthwhile. We've got one to go before a little bit of a break. We'll be looking to train hard this week, and make sure we're prepared."

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