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The NSW Waratahs would love to silence lippy Brumbies halfback Nic White in Saturday’s Super Rugby summit clash.
But as Wallaby teammate Tatafu Polota-Nau knows from painful experience, it’s best to keep your own mouth shut around the chirpy scrum feeder.
A week after combining to help Australia complete a three-game Test sweep of France White and Waratahs hooker Polota-Nau will be on opposite sides for the vital ANZ Stadium clash.
Second overall, the Waratahs lead the Australian conference by three points from the fourth-placed Brumbies, who have played one game more and have just two fixtures left.
Asked if any of the Brumbies had a parting shot at the Waratahs before they departed the Wallabies camp, Polota-Nau said “I’m sure Nic White had a bit of a go.
“Because he got one up on me during the Wallaby camp by knocking my teeth out again.”
Polota-Nau had only recently got his front teeth reset after having them knocked out in the Waratahs’ last game against the Chiefs when he came off the worse in a training accident with White.
Wallabies and Waratahs fullback Israel Folau also singled out White and his propensity for banter when asked which Brumbies player impressed him the most.
“I think Nic White is a great player, but he has a fair bit to say as well when he gets the opportunity,” Folau said.
“But I think that’s part of his game and the passion that he shows for his team, that he wants to do well.
“He’s certainly a good player and I’m looking forward to playing against him on Saturday.”
Asked if White gave him any parting message, Folau said: “He just said ‘take it easy on Saturday night’.”
In his second season of international rugby, Folau is still getting used to the idea of playing with and against some Wallabies teammates in such quick order.
“It feels a little bit funny, being in camp with them the last few weeks and then being back here at the Tahs playing against each other,” Folau said.
Polota-Nau has no qualms.
“It’s not that hard at all,” Polota-Nau said.
“You’ve got to put your friendships aside because at the end of the day whoever is not wearing your jersey becomes the enemy.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.