Queensland Reds halfback Tate McDermott won’t be distracted by Wallabies selection debate ahead of Saturday’s Super Rugby AU final against the Brumbies.
Duelling halfbacks Tate McDermott and Nic White will square off in Saturday’s Super Rugby AU final with Wallabies ramifications at play.
But Queensland Reds playmaker and White’s Australian understudy McDermott said that motivation “was miles behind” as the Reds look to reverse the result of last year’s decider in front of what could be a 50,000-strong Suncorp Stadium crowd.
More than 32,000 tickets had been sold on Tuesday morning for the domestic decider, with the final shaping as the Reds’ biggest game since their only Super Rugby crown at the same ground 10 years ago.
McDermott has been central to the side’s revival – they’ve lost just once this season in a dead rubber clash with the Western Force – as he pushes incumbent Wallabies No.9 White ahead of a loaded Test calendar later this year.
But after claiming honours in two tight contests already this season, the long-time Reds fan won’t be distracted by that individual battle.
“Wallabies (auditions) is miles behind (in my thoughts),” he said.
“I’ve got a job to do for my state first.
“I really do mean it; it’s a grand final and we’ve got Queenslanders to make proud.”
The Reds have been bullish in stating their ambitions this season and it hasn’t gone unnoticed in Canberra, with Brumbies coach Dan McKellar referencing the Reds’ outspoken confidence earlier this week.
McDermott said they were just returning the favour after witnessing the Brumbies’ title-winning jubilation up close in last year’s Super Rugby AU final, won 28-23 in Canberra.
“There’s been a couple of points where we’ve rewatched that … you see they kick it out and there’s a bit of carry-on and they win,” McDermott said.
“There’s been a fire burning since that moment last year and it’s helped.
“We’re still not the complete package, but we’re building and we owe them a lot from that game.”
Ethel McAAVaaarK
Guest
Irrelevant. Gordon has not been in a winning team in 2021. Denial is difficult for some.
Honest Max
Roar Rookie
Can you tell me the score in that game when Gordon went off injured?
Patto
Guest
Agree, Angus Bell is a myth. His old man talked him into the Wallabies set up.There are at least 8 loosehead props better than him, AAA Slipper Fotuaika, Sio, Robertson , Eloff, Hoopert and Zander. He is just an oversized flanker who cannot scrummage to save himself. He folds like a deckchair against all tightheads and DR wants him in the best Wallaby 23.
Antony Henrie
Guest
Patto get used to Bell Hooper Gordon Porecki and Swinton being in the Wallabies best 23.The worst team in Super Rugby AU history will be rewarded with test caps. It`s a disgrace, it`s a farce.And to even consider keeping the worst captain in the history of the Wallabies is disgusting.
Beefa
Guest
Gordons box kicking was terrible in tests last year.If Rennie selects Gordon again he has failed again.
Ethel McAAVaaarK
Guest
They have not been a 20 point better side with Gordon.They would have won games if they were 20 points better.You obviously slept through the thrashing the Reds gave them with "Gordon" in the side.
Honest Max
Roar Rookie
And doesn’t run enough.
Honest Max
Roar Rookie
I was talking about this year- 2021. His form is excellent.
Honest Max
Roar Rookie
The Tahs have been a 20 point better side when he’s on the field, so I’m not sure how he’s to blame. You and I have been watching different games.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
No need for debate . McDermott is behind White , Powell, Gordon and Lonergan.
Bodger
Roar Rookie
Powell doesn’t kick so no chance with Rennie.
Bodger
Roar Rookie
Gordon was picked for his box kick. Rennie wanted contestable kicks near the sideline. Tate has box kicked a lot this year but he’s a bit slow and exposed. Fan of Tate’s but his passing and box kick still needs work and don’t think he has progressed as much as he needed this year in key areas. He is the best running and defensive 9 pretty easily. Most of White’s passes are just flopped up from the base but when he needs to he has the sharper long pass.
Beefa
Guest
Are you saying the Waratahs pack are no good ? What about Tah Wallabies Porecki Swinton Dempsey HJH and Bell and wunderkid Tizzano ?
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Haha Beefa. Imagine how good he’d be playing behind the Reds pack. Much better than Tate I think. Obviously Rennie thinks the same.
Beefa
Guest
Can you tell me what Gordon did for the Waratahs as i must has missed it.What was so special about him leading the tahs to last on the table.Thanks
Ethel McAAVaaarK
Guest
Oh one more thing . It`s really astonishing and amazing how Jake Gordon is talked up when he was part of the worst team in super au history. Yet Tate is labelled as a poor passer with his team on top of the table. Wilson and Angus Scott Young have also come in for criticism in 2021, some suggesting Harry should not be the Wallaby 8, yet the angry Swintons has remained anonymous in conversation. I spose when you do nothing for your team you do remain anonymous. Although i did notice his direct opposite Anstee run straight through him for a try this year. That was Swintons highlight as well as a yellow card.
soapit
Roar Guru
i think it showed as much how little there was elsewhere in the waratahs with him out.
Boosho
Roar Pro
He needs to pull out the old NFJ routine - pile of bricks in the backyard and hit a circle on the fence
PeterK
Roar Guru
Agree only White and Powell have a good clean pass off the deck, White's is better though.
PeterK
Roar Guru
Gordon really made a difference to the tahs. When he came back from injury they improved a lot, it shows he has a lot better organisational skills than I realised.