Reds halfback Tate McDermott wants the chance to start against New Zealand

Tate McDermott says the Wallabies must fight through the ‘growing pains’ they are experiencing under Eddie Jones.

Tate McDermott hopes to start for the Wallabies against New Zealand. Picture: Saeed KHAN / AFP

Queensland Reds halfback Tate McDermott is itching to start against the All Blacks as part of Wallabies side desperate to make amends for their poor form in the The Rugby Championship.

McDermott. 24, has had to be content with second-half cameos in Australia’s losses to South Africa and Argentina, with Wallabies coach Eddie Jones preferring the more experienced Nic White in the No.9 jersey.

McDermott said he was “100 per cent” ready to start against New Zealand on Saturday week in Melbourne.

“But there’s three (number) nines that are 100 per cent capable of starting against the All Blacks,” he said in referring to himself, White and Ryan Lonergan,

“That’s what makes it exciting for us. Every week we’re not sure whether we’re going to be starting, on the bench or out of the team.

“We’re working hard together as three nines to make sure we’re world-class in those areas.”

Tate McDermott is keen for a chance to start against New Zealand. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Regardless of who starts at halfback, McDermott said the Wallabies needed huge improvement to have a chance of beating New Zealand.

“If we roll out what we did against Argentina and South Africa particularly in those effort areas, which is where the game’s won and lost, we’ll be looking at probably the same result,” he said.

“When we’re slow to set, when we’re slow into position, and slow to open our mouths, we’re in a world of hurt.

“It’s an easy fix for us, but we’ve got to make that shift, and we’ve got to make it pretty quick.

“We’ve accepted and we’ve acknowledged that we’re going to make errors given we’re in a transition period where we’re trying to change how we play as Wallabies, so we’ve had a big focus on that.

“This new game model, there’s going to be growing pains and there’s going to be adjustments, but every week at training I’ve seen improvements in the areas that we need to mix it with the best.

“There’s definitely a vibe, particularly when we touch down in Melbourne next week.

“It’s going to be really good for us to stay tight, stay connected and work towards a common goal.”