Time is running out for David Pocock and James O’Connor prior to the Wallabies’ first Test of a World Cup year, but halfback Nic White is back with the group.
Champion backrower Pocock has played just 138 minutes in three matches for the Brumbies this season due to a calf muscle issue and hasn’t taken the field since early March.
The 31-year-old, who was one of the stars of the 2015 World Cup, announced his retirement from Super Rugby in late May
He is attending coach Michael Cheika’s national camp in Brisbane this week but did not train on Monday.
A squad for the opening Rugby Championship game against South Africa in Johannesburg on July 21 (AEST) will be announced on Wednesday or Thursday
Utility back O’Connor, who turns 29 on Friday, can’t train with the squad until inking a deal with Rugby Australia, with Queensland expected to be his Super Rugby destination.
A veteran of 44 Tests, O’Connor became the second-youngest Wallaby when he made his Test debut as an 18-year-old against Italy in 2008 but hasn’t played for Australia since September 2013.
Off-field disciplinary issues put him on the outer with the Wallabies management and he has plied his trade overseas with London Irish, Toulon and Sale.
The former Force and Rebels star briefly returned to Australia in 2015 for a stint with the Reds, but didn’t make the Wallabies’ squad for that year’s World Cup.
Former Brumby White, who played 22 Tests between 2013 and 2015, making eight starts, is in camp this week after agreeing a deal with RA.
Since 2015, the 29-year-old White has played for Montpellier in France and English club Sale, to who he is contracted for one more season, before returning to play Super Rugby at a franchise to be determined.
“It’s great to see Nic back,” said 1999 World Cup winning captain and halfback George Gregan, who on Monday worked with the playmakers in the camp.
“Obviously playing overseas in France and the UK was very good for him in terms of rounding off his entire rugby game.
“I did some work with him when he was starting at the Brumbies many years ago. He’s come back a really rounded player.”
White faces plenty of competition for a halfback spot from regular starter Will Genia, Nick Phipps, Joe Powell and Jake Gordon.
“There’s been good examples of depth in a number of positions in this country and I think No.9 is at the moment is definitely that case,” Gregan said.
The Brumbies are in transit following last weekend’s Super Rugby semi-final loss in Argentina and won’t return to Australia until Tuesday.
The need for rest after playing and travelling means none are expected to actively participate in the camp prior to the Wallabies departure for South Africa next Sunday.
Zado
Guest
Stin Why is that ? No Folau No Cheika No Phipps No Foley No Kepu No AAC in 2020 ,it will the dawn of a great era. With a proper coach Hanigan Dempsey and Robertson should get nowhere near a Wallaby jersey.The only downside is an ageing Simmons and a puny 7 that doesn't really do much but tackle and run for 6 million bucks.
Stin
Roar Rookie
Not looking forward to Australian rugby in 2020
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Apart from a few yet to catch up, you may be preaching to the choir here Col.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
I would prefer them picked on form.
colkiwi
Guest
Aus rugby is so much about the marquee player, the one that will make all the difference, if only we h; Giteau, Cooper, Folau, Pocock, Beale, Gregan, Burke, Roff, Larkham and now O'Connor again etc. Individual players being touted as the game changer, the saviour. There are some class footballers amongst them, no doubt. However in a 15 or 23 man game one individual can largely be negated through a smart gameplan. You only have to look at how good teams (Crusaders, ABs) adjust to having a player binned Often the numerical advantage comes to nothing. Start focussing on the jersey, building skills and commitment to the cause. Culture eats strategy for lunch.
Puff
Guest
Patto, mate, I may have the ability to procrastinate at times. But the sad fact remains, the code is no-longer a premier sport in this country and until administers take rugby’s slow demise seriously; its appeal will continue to erode.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yeah I remember that, other than that he was pretty ordinary, which was my point, moot or not, with two tests RC time we get to see the difference exeter has made in him. Can't speak for how he went against others.
Chris
Guest
Tepai Moeroa has had bad concussion issues over the last two years ,maybe that`s why he is coming back, as Rugby has less high impact collisions per game. Safer in Rugby.
JP
Guest
It`s be all and end all of a player is not all about the All Blacks mate.There are 5 other teams just as good as the Hobbit Islanders. I seem to remember White scoring the winning try against the Ab`s in 2015 and then dropped never to be seen again, so your point is moot.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/lost-in-transition-monster-job-ahead-for-gibson-s-replacement-20190621-p5204w.html "and the Herald understands that Adam Ashley-Cooper has been told he is not required next season." That's the report on AAC, Hunt is a rumour. One I'm surprised about as I thought they would hang onto one or the other to mentor the relatively young squad next year. I thought Hunt could be a good steady hand outside the young 10's.
Patto
Guest
@Puff I bet you will be upset when you see 36 year AAC in the Wallabies squad after his stint in Japan.
terrykidd
Roar Pro
It is in a comment down lower ..... I just went searching for news but came up with nothing ..... could be a furphy
terrykidd
Roar Pro
Yeah just saw the report ..... lol so no Tahland
PeterK
Roar Guru
Where has it been announced Hunt and AAC not being resigned? I thought they are waiting to appoint a new head coach and he will decide who he re-signs. Sure if they sign elsewhere in the meantime that is a risk they are willing to take.
Stin
Roar Rookie
O’Connor has signed with QLD.
Puff
Guest
The question needs to be tabled, why do we continually offering opportunity to players who drift in out of the NH chill. This must be discouraging for talented players who apply their trade in our present environment. Do we honestly believe O’Connor/White will transform the fortune of Cheika’s, extended family, the Tah’s? Although both players are capable, neither is special when you consider the hard yards Joe Powell and Jake Gordon have endured this season. O’Connor was less than impressive during his last visit and I believe this will continue to be the case. Further, it is difficult to judge Pocock’s commitment but after ongoing injury, his best days have probably expired. The reason Cheika is such a humdrum senior coach, he is always looking backwards. He has yet to discover the view looking forward is much more exciting. It time to be innovative invest in a more exotic brand of rugby, not the dreary plan A and plan A impossible.
Jacko
Guest
BF I find that in Aus rugby it is always about all the talent they dont have playing for them and if they can just get so & so back then they will be far batter off than they are now......To me it is almost impossible to pick from the NH and have great belief that these players will fit in and add more than the incumbants......players at club level who have not played tests for a while are not used to test speeds and intensities and will take a bit to adjust....Looks like the RC is going to be a big WC trial for the WC squads......It will be interesting to see all the sides trying a few personal and a few tactics during the RC
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Apparently already signed.
terrykidd
Roar Pro
Do you really think Thorn will have him? The joker in the pack is the Tahs not signing AAC and Hunt. JOC could sign there.
frank
Guest
My memory of White was a solid, quick, halfback, but prone to the odd "Nick Phipps" brain fade at key moments. Perhaps he's matured. Will be interesting to see who gets the gig