Suspended Wallaby Tevita Kuridrani's international season is over and the Test rookie also faces losing his ACT Brumbies starting spot after being hit with a five-game ban for a lifting tackle.
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The International Rugby Board judiciary has suspended Kuridrani for the last two Tests of the Wallabies' spring tour and the Brumbies' three pre-season trial matches next year.
The Brumbies were shocked the tackle would leave a big mark on 22-year-old Kuridrani's record, coach Stephen Larkham saying the Fijian flyer was a ''clean player''.
But his absence in the Brumbies' pre-season will open the door for forgotten centre Andrew Smith to reclaim the No.13 jersey for the start of next year's Super Rugby campaign.
Smith was the Brumbies first-choice outside-centre last season, but an injury curse allowed Kuridrani to shine and rise from bench player and eventually into the Wallabies' starting XV.
IRB-appointed judicial officer Lorne Crerar was ready to ban Kuridrani for nine games, but reduced the suspension because of his clean record.
''Tevita is available for every Super rugby game next year, which isn't as bad as it could have been,'' Larkham said.
''It's disappointing for Tevita because he does have a good record and he is a clean player.
''But this is going to be on his permanent record now. We'll move on, the good thing for the Brumbies is that he won't miss any Super Rugby matches and that's a plus.''
Kuridrani's absence adds further pain to the Wallabies ranks after coach Ewen McKenzie suspended six players for a boozy night out in Ireland last week.
The ARU will decide on Thursday morning (Australian time) whether it appeals the length of Kuridrani's suspension.
Kuridrani lifted Ireland flanker Peter O'Mahony in the 72nd minute of the Wallabies' 32-15 win at the weekend.
There was no malice in the tackle, but the IRB is trying to deter players from such tackles.
Kuridrani has cemented his place as a Super Rugby regular after joining the Brumbies at the start of last year.
He will battle with Smith for the outside-centre spot, while forgotten Wallaby Pat McCabe is also a contender for the No.13 jersey.
The Brumbies will play three trial games. They will start with one against the Otago Highlanders in Queenstown before returning to Canberra to play an ACT XV.
The Brumbies' first Super Rugby game is against the Queensland Reds on February 22.
Brumbies forward Jordan Smiler was slapped with an eight-game ban for a lifting tackle earlier this year.
But his suspension was served in the world club-rugby sevens and Canberra club competition, meaning Smiler will miss just one pre-season game.
''When there's a suspension or injury, someone gets a chance to play and impress,'' Larkham said.
''Smithy has been training exceptionally well … he's one of our leading trainers and putting himself in a really good position to play well next year.
''The beauty of this team is the back line has the ability to play multiple positions.''
♦ The Wallabies were hit with another blow on Wednesday night when Brumbies playmaker Matt Toomua was sent home from their spring tour with a hamstring injury.