Schmidt delves into halves shift as Wallabies receive Paisami boost

Thu, Sep 19, 2024, 4:44 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt is backing the 'fresh' option of Nic White to prove the difference as they prepare for the Bledisloe Cup.

Schmidt has elevated White to the starting side after opting for Jake Gordon in the two games against Argentina.

Tickets to the 2024 Bledisloe Cup Test match are available here.

It comes as the team dealt with some knocks and illness from the Argentinian trip.

"Getting back from Santa Fe took its toll, there were a few boys who were a little bit ill and run down and Nick hadn't players and he was the freshest so we felt that making an early decision in the week Nick was best," Schmidt told reporters.

"Nick has great leadership. All the nines do, they've at some stake been skippers of their Super Rugby sides so Nick was a pretty good fit and fit with Noah (Lolesio).

"They've both originally from the Brumbies, they've played a fair bit of time together so we felt that combination would be a good one to start us off on Saturday."

Flyhalf Noah Lolesio was pleased to reunite with his old Brumbies teammate, with the pair winning a Super Rugby AU title together in 2020.

"I feel really comfortable playing with 'Whitey'," Lolesio said.

"We've got a lot of history together playing at the Brumbies and he's got a world-class kicking game and a real edge.

"As a squad, we're spoiled with our nines with 'Tatey' (McDermott) and Jake (Gordon) so I'm looking forward to be playing with Whitey again."

Schmidt and the Wallabies were also boosted by the return of Hunter Paisami after he passed a fitness test on Tuesday.

"He got through training on Tuesday and he felt good to go. He's a really punchy player for us," Schmidt added.

"I think Hamish Stewart did a really good job, particularly in that first Test in Argentins but Hunter's experience with Len Ikitau so we think for cohesion that was a good pairing for us."

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