Rennie backs Simone as short-term Rugby Championship solution

With a move to France looming in the coming months, the centre was not considered for selection for the recent England series.

But a string of injuries and the unavailability of Samu Kerevi due to rugby sevens commitments has seen Rennie turn to Simone and Waratah Lalakai Foketi for the upcoming two-Test tour of Argentina.

Simone has represented his country on two occasions and emerged as a safe pair of hands to fill a role when the Wallabies open their Rugby Championship campaign.

"[Irae's] probably had his best season of Super Rugby," Rennie said. "It often happens that way when guys are heading away.

"We didn't consider him for the fact he's leaving, but with the injuries we've got, we know we've got a player who can fill a hole for us for a couple weeks. He's committed to go to France but prepared to help us out over the next couple of weeks."

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Simone provided solid midfield punch for the Brumbies throughout the Super Rugby season, while he also aided flyhalf Noah Lolesio with the playmaking responsibilities.

The back has big shoes to fill if he is called upon to start at inside centre for the Wallabies. Kerevi was among the team's best throughout the England series, a constant presence in the midfield and a handful for the English defence each time he touched the ball.

Rennie will turn to Simone to provide a similar impact with ball in hand.

"With Samu missing, [Simone] was an obvious choice. He's a big man, he carries really well, he's got a good kicking game and he's been in our environment, so he can slot in pretty quickly if required."

With the Wallabies depth stretched across the park, Rennie revealed the prospect of retaining Kerevi's services was considered.

Since the first England Test, Cooper, Tom Banks, Andrew Kellaway, Izaia Perese and Jordan Petaia have spent time on the sidelines.

Ultimately it was decided the punishing ball carrier should link up with the Australian sevens team to contest the Commonwealth Games as planned.

"The initial talks we had a couple of months ago was if we got injuries we wouldn't let [Kerevi] go but it's important for our country to try and send away a strong side that's got a chance of winning a medal.

"The sevens boys have been going well of late and Samu will only add to the group, so we're committed to that. With Izzy Perese injured, [Simone's] going to come in and fill a role on the Argentinian tour."

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