Wallabies: Young halfback Tate McDermott wants another crack after “bittersweet” debut against the All Black
His Wallabies debut didn’t go to plan in a smashing by the All Blacks but Tate McDermott wants another crack on his home deck in Brisbane
Queensland Reds halfback Tate McDermott is desperate for another crack at the All Blacks after a bittersweet Test debut in Sydney.
The Bundaberg-born 22-year-old was a second-half replacement for Nic White in the Wallabies’ embarrassing 43-5 weekend loss to New Zealand at ANZ Stadium.
New Zealand’s record win over Australia sealed them the Bledisloe Cup for an 18th successive year, but McDermott is treating Saturday night’s clash between the teams at Suncorp Stadium as anything but a dead rubber.
“I’m not sure if I’m playing but if I was to be selected it would be unreal ... I’m going to be buzzing,” McDermott said.
“I’ve got my whole family up there ... it’s going to be an awesome night for a anyone involved, particularly if you’re a Queenslander.”
McDermott said he had fulfilled his childhood dream by playing against the All Blacks, but the result was more of a nightmare.
“I wasn’t happy with it based on how everything ended up in the end,” he said.
“I’m not going to come out and say I had a blinder because I didn’t.
“It was a good start for me just because I got a few touches on the ball, but we’ve got a lot to work on as a team.
“There are quite a few lessons I learnt just from the 20 minutes I was out there.”
They included the need for improved defence and composure in tough situations.
“We need to be cool-headed. We knew the plan we just didn’t execute it,” he said.
“I loved my opportunity ... I was nervous when I got the call to start warming up.
“It’s something I’ve dreamt of as kid It’s definitely something I won’t be forgetting.
“It was a pretty proud moment for myself and my family back home.
“I loved it. I didn’t love the score but I loved being out there.”