Nic White ‘happily’ embraces fierce challenge in new Wallabies squad

Joe Schmidt has rewarded stars who shone brightest during Super Rugby Pacific in the Wallabies' first squad of their new era under the mastermind coach from New Zealand. There were some much-deserved inclusions in the group that was announced on Friday.

There are 13 uncapped players in the squad which includes former All Blacks prop Alex Hodgman, young Queensland Reds playmaker Tom Lynagh and former Australia sevens and Junior Wallabies standout Darby Lancaster.

But beyond the completely new faces in the Wallabies’ setup, some players have chipped away behind the scenes for a recall. NSW Waratahs captain Jake Gordon hasn’t played since Australia’s famous comeback win over Wales in 2022 but is now back in the mix.

Of the three halfbacks who were selected in last year’s Rugby World Cup squad, Nic White and Tate McDermott have retained their spots. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa was reliable for the Force this season but has made way for Gordon.

While every athlete wants their moment in the spotlight by either starting or coming off the bench, White is embracing the opportunity to both compete and support the other halfbacks in the Aussie squad.

“Two blokes who have played really well this year, Jake and Tate,” the veteran of more than 60 Tests told Western Force media with a smile.

“We’ve been working together for the last five or six years now. Really good to see those boys getting better and better, and I still feel like I’ve got plenty to offer both on the field and off the field as a group.

“We all get along really well. Looking forward to getting into camp with those boys and pushing each other to get the best out of each other.

”If there’s anything I can pass on through my experience or what I’ve done then I’ll happily do that.

“There’s two great blokes, we’re a good little trio. It’s just good to see them playing some really good footy.”

Coach Schmidt’s first Wallabies squad only features players who are based in Australia. Last year’s initial World Cup skipper Will Skelton was not selected, and there wasn’t room for Richard Arnold or others.

Kurtley Beale, Filipo Daugunu and Len Ikitau join Gordon as some of the players who have been rewarded for their consistency by returning to the national team after some time away. In the forwards, the same can be said for Harry Wilson and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto.

It’s a moment to be celebrated but as White insisted, “there’s still a lot of hard work to be done” before taking on a new-look Wales side coached by rugby guru Warren Gatland in Sydney and Melbourne next month.

“You never take them for granted. This one more so than ever [with] a new coach. Certainly getting a little bit longer in the tooth,” White discussed.

“To see your name and hear your name called out, it’s a great feeling.

“To be in a squad to represent your country, it’s why you play the game. There’s still a lot of hard work to be done but I’ve got my foot in the door now and looking forward to getting into camp.

“Wales, they picked a pretty young squad. A lot of sides are in a different position to us, we’ve got a four-year [World Cup] cycle. We don’t quite have that with having the British and Irish Lions just 18 months away,” he added.

“They picked a pretty young squad but I know coached by Warren Gatland, they’ll be pretty sure in what their gameplan is and how they’ll play.

“They’re going to be a very tough opposition. Obviously, we don’t forget what they did to us at the World Cup. We’re right up for a tough task right from the start.”