Queensland Reds co-captain Tate McDermott has vowed to stay centered on beating the ACT Brumbies on Saturday night time slightly than turn into distracted by his particular person battle with Nic White, his rival for Australia’s halfback spot.
Smashed 47-13 by the Hurricanes in Townsville within the opening spherical of the Super Rugby Pacific season, the Reds bounced again in model final Sunday, thrashing Western Force 71-20.
But the Brumbies, who McDermott labelled the “best team in Australia”, are a step up from the Force, and Reds gamers can’t afford to consider Wallabies choice if the guests are to prevail in Canberra.
“We’ve got to focus on doing the job for Queensland,” McDermott stated.
“We let our state down in the first game this year, then made amends in a way. In the back of your mind, some boys will be thinking about the Wallabies, but for me, first and foremost, I’ve got to perform in the maroon (jersey), and until I’m doing that consistently, then I can chat a little bit more about the Wallabies.”
McDermott performed down his rivalry with White, saying there was “nice chat, surprisingly so” between the pair after they went head-to-head.
“It’s good … and it’s not just me and Nic. There’ll be guys all across the field, which makes for pretty good viewing.” he stated.
With the latest appointment of Eddie Jones as Wallabies coach and a Rugby World Cup on the horizon, White stated “there was a whole lot more to play for” that simply competitors factors on Saturday night time.
“We’ve got to play well in this tournament but there are Wallabies jerseys up for grabs as well,” White stated.
“You’re seeing a lot of those match-ups (on Saturday night).”
White, who will captain the Brumbies within the absence of injured prop Allan Alaalatoa, is cautious of each McDermott and the Reds.
“I didn’t read too much into round one. That just wasn’t then,” White stated.
“You saw what they are and what they’re about last week. They’re straight back to what we expect. and what the competition expects of them.
“They’re dangerous. They’ve got threats all across the park, and they can pile on points real bloody quick.
“They’re backline is littered with talent. The guy (McDermott) I’ll be up against has got an immense amount of talent.
“We’ll have to be on our toes. We know how good they can be. Within the Australian teams, this (game) is the one you circle,”
Source: www.news.com.au
