Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has called up Nick White back to halfback in a bid to boost his side’s squad against the All Blacks after the team suffered a devastating defeat to Argentina.
White will start against the All Blacks in Sydney on Saturday night, the most intriguing decision made by Schmidt, who has been boosted by the returns of Hunter Paisami and Frazer McWright.
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White, 34, did not play in either game in Argentina and was handed the No.9 jersey in place of Jake Gordon when Tate McDermott sat on the bench.
Nick White. (Photo: Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
He will be joined by former Brumbies team-mate Noah Rolesio, who returns as No.10 to replace Ben Donaldson.
“Coming back from Santa Fe was a huge blow to that game,” Schmidt said.
“There were a few boys who were a bit sore and tired and Nick didn’t play. He was the freshest and we made the decision early on to take Nick this week… He’s got great leadership, all the nines have great leadership and they’ve all captained Super Rugby teams at some point. So Nick’s fit in pretty well and he’s fit in well with Noah too.
“They’re both originally from the Brumbies and have been playing together for quite some time so I thought that combination would be a good start on Saturday.”
The 67-27 defeat in Santa Fe was enough to make heads and hearts drop, but illness added to the misery.
“There were a few bugs, but nothing that affected the entire team. There were a few individuals that were slightly affected by the bugs, but everyone is back on deck now,” Schmidt said.
“There was still a bit of a break for some of the players who didn’t participate earlier this week, but they’re all 100% now. So it’s likely that some of the players who didn’t participate this week will participate next week.”
Schmidt said he did not expect the Wallabies’ backline to be unstable due to the double change between No. 9 and No. 10.
“I hope it doesn’t get unstable since we’re all training together anyway,” Schmidt said.
“I’d like to see a bit of freshness from Nic White because he hadn’t played in Argentina. He was the freshest player we had when we got back on the pitch in Sydney.
“The other guys are having a pretty good time. I don’t think that’s going to make us unstable, especially Nick and Noah.
“They know each other really well. I think Nick probably played with Noah more than he did with Jake Gordon.”
Loresio welcomed the reunion with his former club team-mate.
“I feel very comfortable playing with Whitey,” Loresio said.
“We have a lot of history playing together at the Brumbies. He’s got a world-class kicking game. He’s got a real edge. And I think as a team we’ve really been spoilt with our nines.
“I’ve had four years with Whitey, Tate and Jake, and they’re all great players and better guys. They all have their strengths. And I think it’s up to Joe who he prefers.
“For me, it doesn’t really change what I want to contribute to the team. I’m confident Whitey will do a great job for us.”
Schmidt immediately recalled McWright, who was sidelined for the first time in the Rugby Championship this year due to a fractured thumb.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt watches a Wallabies training session at the David Phillips Sports Complex in Sydney, Australia, on July 4, 2024. (Photo: Matt King/Getty Images)
Carlo Tizzano has held his place well but last week’s crushing defeat probably cost him the chance to withstand McWright’s return, but Schmidt said he would consider picking either.
“Carlo was outstanding, really outstanding. Before the Santa Fe Test, he had attempted 62 tackles and I think he had made 62 tackles in three Test matches,” Schmidt said.
“He had three turnovers in the test game in La Plata. I think Fraser would have been outstanding before that. So trying to find a spot for both of them, yes, that’s something we considered. But we also think Harry (Wilson) has done really well and Rob Ballettini is Rob Ballettini.”
Schmidt said Paisami’s resumption of his midfield partnership with Len Ikitau would help the Wallabies’ cohesion in that area.
“(Hunter) finished training on Tuesday, and that’s when we knew he was ready to play,” Schmidt said.
“I felt good after Tuesday. Hunter is a really punchy player for us. I thought Hamish Stewart played really well, especially in the first Test in Argentina. But Hunter also had a good experience with Lenny Ikitau. So having those two together, like I said with Nick and Noah, it helps cohesion and I felt it was a good pairing for us.”
The All Blacks made four changes to their squad ahead of the match at Accor Stadium, with the backline being overhauled, with full-back Will Jordan moved to a winger and Beauden Barrett brought in as number 15.
Schmidt, who was on Ian Foster’s All Blacks coaching staff at last year’s World Cup, said he had no idea why they made the change.
“Of course, Will played 15 games when I was there, but most of the time he played 14 games,” Schmidt said.
“I think the key thing is Beauden Barrett’s experience, his kicking ability and his voice in the backfield.
“He could be a great counterpoint to Damien McKenzie, but that’s a story about who I’m playing with out of the 10.
“I understand the firepower we’re up against on Saturday and working with them and watching the World Cup final and playing 55 minutes with 14 men and losing by one point in the second half with two tries and no goals, I understand how narrow the gap is.
“That just shows how good they are. I’m sure that alone will make our Wallaby boys nervous.”
