Wallabies star Tate McDermott has declared his desire to reclaim the No.9 jumper against the British and Irish Lions, having emerged as the form halfback of Australian rugby.
The Queensland Reds captain has led his squad to three wins from four Super Rugby Pacific clashes, with his short-side raids and tactical kicking game central to their triumphs over the Western Force and Moana Pasifika.
His service against the Waratahs then enabled five-eighth Tom Lynagh to orchestrate the attack from the front foot, and he will now be rested for this week’s battle with the Highlanders.
Tate McDermott has thrust himself into the frame for the Wallabies’ No.9 jumper after a strong start to the Super Rugby Pacific season.Credit: Getty Images
The 26-year-old boasts 41 Test caps but started just once in his 12 Wallabies’ appearances last year, as the passing and box-kicking strengths of Jake Gordon and Nic White were preferred.
“I’d love to be starting in that No.9 jersey for the Lions. I’ve got my stuff to work on to try and force my way in there,” McDermott told this masthead.
“There’s just a little bit of skill-set stuff I’ll continue to work away at, and if I do that and show in Super Rugby that I can perform consistently, that’s a brilliant way to do it.
“If my role is suited because of my attributes off the bench to change games late, change the tempo and intensity of how we’re playing, then that’s my role, and I’ll own that.”
McDermott’s standing could hinge on his rivals, with both Gordon and White off contract at season’s end and not guaranteed to remain in Australia.
Gordon will miss a month with a medial ligament issue, while Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt showed his desire to select those committed to Australian rugby when he axed Langi Gleeson from a preseason camp after signing with Montpellier.
McDermott remains contracted until the end of the 2027 World Cup on home soil, and while Reds coach Les Kiss stopped short of suggesting his ball-running style would be needed to conquer the Lions, he believed his skipper’s arsenal would thrive on the big stage.
“He’s just a beast for trying to get every part of his game refined; Tate’s not that old, he’s right in his prime and is only going to get better.”
Les Kiss
“We’re really pleased with the way he is bossing the ruck and how he’s sniping around the edges and keeping defences honest. It takes a lot of heat off the next channel in terms of how you want to attack when you’ve got someone like Tate doing the damage around there,” Kiss said.
“It’s not for me to speculate on what the Wallabies will do, except we will do everything we can to ensure our players are as skilled as possible and are in a good place physically and tactically.”
While McDermott sits on the sidelines, Lynagh will continue his push to add to his four Wallabies caps on Saturday.
The 21-year-old produced one of his most composed performances in the 35-15 defeat of the Waratahs, showcasing his evolution in managing a contest while demonstrating his improved running game.
Tom Lynagh in action for the Reds.Credit: Getty Images
Of the Wallabies’ No.10 contenders, Brumbies star Noah Lolesio has only just returned from a three-game concussion lay-off, while Waratah Tane Edmed has been relegated to the bench.
The pair, along with Ben Donaldson, are off contract this year, while Lynagh is signed until 2026 and has a strong club combination with McDermott and Test centre Hunter Paisami.
“I know RA are just doing their due diligence and talking to the people they need to. I’ve had two discussions with them and that’s all I know,” Kiss said.
“I only get anywhere with good people. This is a team job, if that means other honours down the track for all our players for Wallabies jerseys, or anyone else, it’s great.”
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