Nic White to start at halfback for Wallabies against France in Paris
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie will ensure his players “share the load” on their five-Test spring tour.
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Wallabies coach Dave Rennie continues to rotate his halfbacks ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup, with Nic White recalled to Australia’s starting team at the expense Tate McDermott for Sunday morning’s Test against France in Paris.
Having started in the Wallabies’ 16-15 win over Scotland last week, Queenslander McDermott has missed out entirely for the second Test of Australia’s spring Tour, with Waratahs half Jake Gordon to provide the bench back-up for White.
White’s elevation is one of four changes to the Wallabies’ starting 15.
Fullback Jock Campbell replaces Tom Banks, Lalakai Foketi takes Hunter Paisami’s spot in the centres, and Taniela Tupou steps in for concussed prop Allan Alaalatoa in the other three alterations.
Towering lock Will Skelton, who joined camp this week, has been named on the bench.
Rennie said with the Wallabies playing five Tests on the spring Tour, he would “share the load” among the touring squad.
“We want to give guys an opportunity to push for a World Cup (spot) next year and learn more about them,” he said.
“We’ve made a handful of changes this week and we think we’ve got a really strong side on the paddock.
“It’s a struggle playing five internationals in a row over here. No one does it anymore.
“We’ve got a hell of a lot of guys who aren’t here who we think will be part of our World Cup squad, so it’s important that we give opportunities to certain guys.”
They include Reds fullback Campbell, who made his Wallabies debut last weekend off the bench at Murrayfield.
“We were keen to give him a start on this tour – he’s had a really good year,” Rennie said of Campbell.
“He’s trained with us for a number of weeks, and he’s really impressed us. He’s a really smart footballer, He’s got good feet and a good skill set.
“He’s had to work hard for his opportunity. At 27, he’s pretty mature, so we reckon he’s ready to go.”
Rennie was happy with McDermott’s form against Scotland but said White’s inclusion was part of a rotation which would include Gordon starting next week against Italy in Florence.
“It’s a position we’ve got genuine depth in,” the Wallabies’ coach said.
Wallabies team to play France: James Slipper, David Porecki, Taniela Tupou, Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Jed Holloway, Michael Hooper, Rob Valetini, Nic White, Bernard Foley, Tom Wright, Lalakai Foketi, Len Ikitau, Andrew Kellaway, Jock Campbell. Bench: Folau Fainga’a, Matt Gibbon, Tom Robertson, Will Skelton, Pete Samu, Jake Gordon, Hunter Paisami, Reece Hodge.
Originally published as Nic White to start at halfback for Wallabies against France in Paris
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