Nic White set to be called on yet again as Wallabies halfback Tate McDermott injured

Debutant Ryan Lonergan is ready to take on more responsibility after his extended run in Auckland, while Jake Gordon is expected to be fully fit for the second clash against the All Blacks in Perth next Saturday, but without McDermott, 35-year-old White has joined the squad as cover yet again.

Having retired from Test rugby at the end of the British & Irish Lions series, White reversed his decision when Gordon was ruled out of the start of The Rugby Championship with a hamstring strain, playing in the first four games against South Africa and Argentina.

Having retired following the match in Sydney two weeks ago, White has been called upon again by Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt.

Following South Africa’s 67-30 slaughter of Argentina, putting the Boks one point ahead on top of TRC ladder, Australia and New Zealand will both be looking for bonus-point victories in Perth to have any chance of winning the trophy.

Will Skelton will join the Wallabies after getting a release from French club La Rochelle, while powerful backrower Rob Valetini is expected to be fit after being ruled out of the Eden Park fixture with calf tightness.

But Australia’s injury woes to their halves continue, having only been able to start the same No.9 and No.10 for consecutive games twice in 2025.

“Tate appears to have damaged his hamstring, so we’ll get something pretty early in the week to determine what degree of damage that is and update then,” said Schmidt after Australia’s 33-24 loss to the All Blacks.

“But it doesn’t look great.

“Whitey, he is the gift that keeps on giving, you know. We had Whitey in the (Auckland) changing room there now, so he’s not too far away and he lives in Perth. And he’s such a good character within the team. I haven’t had any discussion with him.

“At the moment, I just feel for Tate, 50th game … and just got collapsed in that ruck, unfortunately.”

On Sunday, the Wallabies confirmed White, Skelton, Valetini and centre Josh Flook would all join their squad in Perth.

Lonergan was warming up on the other side of the field when McDermott was injured in just the 20th minute.

The 27-year-old finally made his long-awaited debut, performing capably against an All Blacks’ side constantly threatening Australia’s ruck ball.

“Super proud to be able to go out there and represent my family and my country,” Lonergan said.

“There was a few times that I had a bit of a sook and maybe wanted to do something else or find a way out, but I stuck with it. It’s a credit to the Brumbies and the Wallabies for having great programs and I can continue to build my game.

“I knew the time would come and people would keep telling me. Finally did get it. It’s super special for me and my family.

“It was always the goal. I probably wouldn’t have felt right leaving (for an overseas club) after all the hard work I’ve done.

“Maybe the longer I had to wait for it, the less I wanted to leave. You know what I mean? I was working hard for it. It was always the goal.

“While the lure is there, I think for the next couple of years while I’m contracted here, it’s the right time for me to be here.”

Lonergan is set to play a major role for Australia if McDermott’s injury rules him out of the spring tour, that includes games against Japan, England, Italy, Ireland and France.

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“We’ll see how Tate pulls up, it’s disappointing for him,” Lonergan said.

“I’ll just keep prepping the same way I’ve been prepping. As cliché as it is, I try to prep as if I’m playing every week. I’ll just continue to do my thing.

“If I get another shot, I’ll go out there and do it as best I can.”