Florence: The great Wallabies halfback merry-go-round will continue this weekend against Italy with Jake Gordon taking the reins at No.9 but the Waratahs captain says he isn’t viewing it as an audition for the highly anticipated Ireland fixture.
Dave Rennie got on the front foot before the tour and told Australia’s three halfbacks – Gordon, Nic White and Tate McDermott – that he’d change his team for Australia’s opening three matches of a five-Test tour against Scotland, France and Italy.
McDermott started in a one-point win over Scotland, White began Australia’s most recent match in Paris, while Gordon will get his chance to impress on Saturday (Sunday morning AEDT) against Italy in Florence.
Game four of the tour against Ireland is where Rennie’s plan will crystallise. The Wallabies coach has indicated he’ll pick the halfback with the best all-round package to start in Dublin against the world No.1 side who defeated South Africa 19-16 at the weekend.
White started Australia’s first seven Tests of the year against England, Argentina and South Africa, while Gordon was given the nod in both Bledisloe Cup fixtures.
“If you look back two games ago, I started against the All Blacks,” Gordon said. “I guess [an audition for Ireland] is a way you could look at it. I’m just looking at it as another opportunity to play well. I’m not too focused about the rotation or [this might be] my last opportunity.
Halfbacks Nic White, Tate McDermott and Jake Gordon have been rotated on Australia’s spring tour.Credit:Andrew Phan/Wallabies Media
“The competition is pretty red-hot at the moment. Nic and Tate are both playing really good games.
“I’m pretty familiar with rotation. Me and Nick Phipps used to do it a bit [at the Waratahs]. We’ve got a luxury that we’ve got really good halfbacks in the country that are desperate to play footy.
“That stuff [selection for Ireland] is out of my control.”
White, according to those close to the team, is the frontrunner to be Australia’s first-choice halfback at next year’s World Cup.
Coaches feel his all-round package is slightly superior. In simplistic terms, while McDermott’s running game and Gordon’s pass might be their best attributes, White’s experience in big games and execution of basic skills put him just ahead before the European tour.
“It’s great he told us early so it’s not playing mind games,” White said. “We’re all pretty close mates. We all want to start but we also know we want the team to do well. We have a tight-knit group there and we know we all offer different things.
“I don’t mind the rotation at this time of year after playing just about every game.
“At the end of the day, we all want to lift trophies and it’s such a tight spot at the moment to get that jersey. I think we’re all pretty bloody good. It’s a good problem to have.”
McDermott, the third amigo, said the fierce competition drove training standards.
“We’re all good players and it makes training enjoyable because you don’t know what’s going to happen,” McDermott said. “You’ve got to train hard and earn that jersey.
Gordon has fond memories of Italy given he debuted in Padova four years ago in a 26-7 victory.
“I remember when Cheika told me I was quite nervous,” Gordon said. “I thought I’d get a few minutes off the bench but I ended up starting the game. It’s a bit of the unknown. You don’t know what Test rugby is like until you get out there.
Bernard Foley and Jake Gordon before Australia’s Test against Italy in 2018.Credit:Getty
“I think I probably ran the ball a bit more back then because my pass or kick probably wasn’t up to the skill it was now. I guess I’ve developed in leadership to a certain degree being a captain at the Waratahs. I’d like to think I’ve developed myself as a player.
Two of Gordon’s NSW teammates, Mark Nawaqanitawase and Ben Donaldson, are vying for a Test debut this week.
Nawaqanitawase is eyeing off a spot on the wing, while Donaldson could sneak a bench spot if Rennie decides to rest Bernard Foley after four straight Tests in the No.10 jersey.
“Marky and Benny had a great year,” Gordon said. “They performed really well at Aus A.
“I’m unsure of the team but I’d love to see those two guys get a game and get their first cap for the Wallabies.
“You’ve got Donno who’s a real silky playmaker and has a great catch-pass and long kick in him.
“You’ve got Marky who is a real aerial threat and dangerous one-on-one. I’m sure if they got their opportunity they would be awesome.”
