Brumbies halfback Nic White dropped for rookie against Melbourne Rebels

THE Brumbies have demoted Wallabies halfback Nic White to the bench in favour of rookie Michael Dowsett for their clash against Melbourne Rebels.

NSW Waratahs host ACT Brumbies in the sudden death semi final at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. NIc White passes.

THE Brumbies have dropped a selection bombshell ahead of their clash against Melbourne, demoting Test halfback Nic White to the bench in favour of rookie Michael Dowsett.

White is said to be aghast by the axing, which the Brumbies claim is a rotational play to give Dowsett more game time.

White is leaving the Brumbies at the end of the season to join former Brumbies coach Jake White at French club Montpellier.

The Brumbies began searching for a new halfback immediately after White made the call but so far have come up empty, with former All Black No. 9 Jimmy Cowan reportedly knocking them back.

Dowsett said he was not surprised to get the call-up.

“I’ve made sure I’ve been prepared behind the scenes and knew I’d get a chance to start somewhere along the line,” Dowsett said.

“I would be lying if I said I didn’t see myself in that No. 9 jersey next year, that’s my goal.”

BRUMBIES: Robbie Coleman; Lausii Taliauli, Henry Speight, Nigel Ah Wong, Joe Tomane; Christian Lealiifano, Michael Dowsett; Jarrad Butler, David Pocock, Scott Fardy; Sam Carter, Rory Arnold; Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, JP Smith. Reserves: Josh Mann-Rea, Allan Alaalatoa, Ruan Smith, Blake Enever, Ita Vaea, Jordan Smiler, Nic White, Rodney Iona.

Originally published as Brumbies halfback Nic White dropped for rookie against Melbourne Rebels