Despite his recent surge in form for the NSW Waratahs, Nick Phipps concedes Nic White is still in pole position for the Wallabies’ No.9 jersey.
The Brumbies’ White started at halfback for Australia’s clashes with France in June, and on Thursday trained there during the full squad’s first session together.
Phipps, meanwhile, was kept as a reserve.
But his efforts in getting the Waratahs to last Saturday’s Super Rugby final and first-ever title has put him back in contention for a spot in the starting XV for the Bledisloe Cup opener in Sydney on August 16 when coach Ewen McKenzie names his side on Tuesday.
Phipps won the players’ award for his dominant performance in the semi-final against the Brumbies, which included a number of try-saving tackles.
While White is the favourite to retain the No.9, some pundits reckon Phipps might have the jump on the incumbent.
The championship-winning halfback, however, said he was happy to bide his time.
“He’s had a great year as well, so it’s not as if I can come in and say I deserve that spot,” Phipps told AAP.
“(He) played really well in those three French games in the middle of the year, so when the coaches are obviously looking back on past performances he’d probably have that nudge ahead of me.
“I’ll just keep working hard and hopefully opportunities come.”
Phipps said selection in the run-on side was essentially out of his hands and he was just grateful to be in the frame.
“This time last year I wasn’t in this position at all so I’m just stoked to be here at the moment,” he added.
“It just shows how footy goes – you can be top of the world one minute and not even around the next.
“That’s why I’m a big believer in you’re only as good as your last game.”
Ajax
Guest
Great, Nick White will aimlessly kick it away with box kicks or boot it out on the full to hand possession to the opposition just outside our own 22.. that's what he specializes in.. why will anything change against the all blacks?? Phipps is miles ahead of White.... and Im a Reds supporter.. Im a nuetral on this one.
stu
Guest
Phipps is a much stronger player than he was last year. He offers more than White in attack and defence. Only a madman would pick White
Ronaldo
Guest
Not much point talking about Will Genia .... He is injured & won't play for a while if he gets back to his best. So it's about Phipps & White next week ..... For mine there's no comparison. Phipps by a country mile if it's picked on form.
bennalong
Guest
To play the expansive game NSW has put on ain't easy for a halfback. Cheika applauded Phipps' efforts and apologised to 'Hoops' at the press conference after saying the half was the Tahs fittest player I'm biased but I think the Tahs should get the nod if it's a difficult call Certainly Foley should be fed by someone who isn't torn between his 10 and his 12 as first receiver. AAC v Kurindrani isn't a 50:50 call. Let the world's best 13 play in position!
bennalong
Guest
Spot on!
Adsa
Guest
It is good to see we have 1/2 backs in White and Phipps who are keen to get the ball out of the ruck, I have been a big Genia fan but his Gregan habit of holding play and lecturing the Ref at rucks has not helped the Wallyb play, all it does is let the defence get settled, whoever starts between Phipps or White, give us quick ball.
mikeylives
Guest
I thought Phipps was the waratahs weakest link early in the season. Shows how far he's come. He's been crucial in all the tight games and dominant in many of the big wins. His pass is still not world class, but his speed of service, ability to wrestle dirty ball, sniping and decision making have all been top notch. Obviously his cover defence has been outrageous recently. I agree, he's the form halfback at the moment.
The OG AlBo
Roar Guru
Phipps is easily the form 9 in the country right now (IMHO). He deserves to have at least 60 mins to see what he can do with an international start. He seems to step up another level in the gold jersey. Tahs halves, Brums centres (even though I think that AAC is the best option at 13). Those combos are crucial at test level.
Antennae
Guest
Phipps has turned into a tackling animal, taking down one & jumping onto another. He should be rewarded for his defensive efforts in the final series. I also want to kill the box kick, of which White is addicted to.
Harry Jones
Guest
Both good, but still think Genia is best OZ 9