Rugby: Betham called in for Kuridrani

Peter Betham.

The Wallabies have sent an SOS to NSW winger Peter Betham and must get creative in their midfield selection for their test against Scotland after centre Tevita Kuridrani was slugged with a five-week ban.

In a serious blow to Australia, Kuridrani became the sixth player rubbed out of this weekend's Murrayfield clash when he was suspended for his tip-tackle on Ireland flanker Peter O'Mahony.

The Australian Rugby Union is weighing up whether to appeal the ban but they have already called for Betham as the in-form Brumby faces an almost certain finish to his end-of-season tour.

Kuridrani's loss leaves a massive hole in the pivotal No13 position, especially with veteran utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper also stood down from the match.

Ashley-Cooper, who started the first seven tests of the year at centre before Kuridrani took over the role, was among five players already suspended for the Scotland clash due to their late night out before the 32-15 win in Dublin last week.

With fellow starting winger Nick Cummins also banned, coach Ewen McKenzie is set to promote Joe Tomane and Chris Feauai-Sautia to his strife-torn three-quarter line. Both are expected to start on the wings.

Brumbies sharp-shooter Christian Leali'ifano, currently covering No10 and 12 from the bench, could be moved to 13 but the coach could also gamble on freakishly talented Israel Folau from fullback or Mike Harris.

Neither Leali'ifano, Harris nor Folau have played at centre in senior rugby.

The coach had travelled to London with Kuridrani yesterday, holding some hope of having him exonerated in an IRB disciplinary hearing as teammate Matt Toomua was also involved in the tackle.

Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson and Liam Gill are the other Wallabies stood down from the Murrayfield clash, while prop Paddy Ryan will serve his one-test ban in the final match on tour against Wales.

- AAP