Nic White, Tate McDermott and Jake Gordon put the Wallabies ahead of their own rivalry

Wallabies players are putting what’s good for the team ahead of individual battles for starting positions.

Nic White (right) is among three halfbacks vying for a spot in Australia’s starting team against Georgia on Saturday. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

Halfbacks Nic White, Tate McDermott and Jake Gordon have put their personal ambitions to one side as they adopt a “team first” mentality in the Wallabies camp.

Two Tests into the tenure of new Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt, the trio of No.9s have all tasted game time.

Waratahs star Gordon started in both of the Wallabies’ wins over Wales, while Reds co-captain McDermott and Force veteran White have each been used off the bench in one match.

Jake Gordon has started at halfback in the Wallabies’ past two matches. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

“The way we’ve been looking at it for a while now, especially Jake, Tate and myself, is it’s a team effort,” White said ahead of Australia’s clash with Georgia on Saturday at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium.

“Whoever gets that nod at (number) nine, we prepare them as best we possibly can.

“Jake’s been doing a phenomenal job the last couple of weeks. It’s a reward for a great (Super Rugby) season he’s had as well. Tate’s had a great season, (and) I think my form’s been good as well.

“If all three of us are training well and playing well, we’re only going to push each other to further heights.

“It’s about the team. Everyone would say that here in all positions. That’s the place we’re in at the moment. We just want what’s best for rugby in Australia.

“We can feel that good feeling at the moment. Everyone can train well, prepare the team best, put it in a good position to get results and continue this good feeling.”

Wallabies halfback Tate McDermott works hard at training. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

White said the Wallabies weren’t getting carried away with their successive wins, saying there was “still a long way” to go to bounce back from a disastrous 2023.

“We’re doing the simple things well but we’re not getting too far ahead of ourselves,” he said.

“Two wins is great and the mood’s good, and the support’s been phenomenal the last two weeks, but we’re still a long way from where we want to be.

“We still understand there’s plenty of hard work in front of us. Joe (Schmidt) talks about earning it every week and here’s another week where we’re going to have to earn it.

“Georgia are a very good side, and it’s another challenge. We know we’re up against it.”

White said the “physical” nature of Georgia’s play would also prepare the Wallabies for their upcoming Rugby Championship battles with South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina.

“The South Africans coming (to Suncorp Stadium) in a few weeks’ time will be similar in that regard, but thinking too far (ahead) is dangerous as well,” he said.

“It’s all about Georgia, (and) the threats that they bring.”

Originally published as Nic White, Tate McDermott and Jake Gordon put the Wallabies ahead of their own rivalry