The Wallabies centre admitted he had Queensland coach Brad Thorn to thank for forcing him to make the move inside to No.12 in the off-season last year.

It was a shuffle that became the catalyst for career-best performances for the Reds and a spot at the top of the Test selectors' lists in a World Cup year.

Kerevi was a regular at inside centre for Australia under Michael Cheika but had not set the world on fire in a losing Test side. When Thorn suggested he make the switch at Super Rugby level before the start of last season he was set against it.

"Even though I'd played there in the past I was really confident at 13. The way it attacks, you get a bit more free rein ... a 12 is a bit different, you're organising a bit more," Kerevi said.

The 23-year-old didn't see himself as a playmaker, but now credits it with expanding his game and making his valedictorian season in Australian rugby one to remember.

"I had to realise I could play 12 in a different way," he said. "I was so used to seeing 12s play that playmaking role. I had to bring my own little mix into it and I'm happy with the way things went in Super Rugby."

Now just a few days out from his last game at Suncorp Stadium before a move to Japan, Kerevi and his midfield partner Tevita Kuridrani have unfinished business.

The Wallabies have been upbeat in the aftermath of what was their 12th loss in 16 outings, but Argentina's attack will pose a stern test for the home side, who are still talking about trying new things just four Tests out from the World Cup.

"[South Africa] did really well to pressure us but I think for us, just needing to adapt a bit earlier, and myself, seeing that space on the outside and really adapting to the game plan," Kerevi said. "Hopefully I'll just keep getting better with time."

Coach Michael Cheika is giving little away about the make up of the team for Saturday's clash with the Pumas.

The prospect of a James O'Connor return further clouds the picture, given he is a natural pick for inside centre. But if selectors keep faith with a Kerevi/Kuridrani midfield partnership, O'Connor could pop up anywhere in the back three, or on the bench.

Tom Banks and Dane Haylett-Petty will be feeling the pressure after underwhelming performances in Johannesburg. Haylett-Petty, in particular, will be ruing the timing of what was surely his poorest performance in a gold jersey. For a player who won over Cheika with reliable and consistent performances, his Ellis Park outing was an unfortunate anomaly.

"I don't know what's going through the boss's head, he'll be trying different combinations but I've been comfortable playing 12 and ended up playing 13 as well on the weekend," Kerevi said.

"I'm just pushing for a spot, competing at training. A lot of guys are here to compete and driving the standard of play for us.

"Wherever that is, I just want to get out on the field."