New Wallabies scrumhalf Tate McDermott gave an impressive and honest pre-Test press conference on Friday, acknowledging flaws in his game but confidently predicting he was ready to make an impact in the deciding third Test against France on Saturday night.
McDermott was one of eight changes to the Wallaby starting lineup after featuring as a second half replacement in the opening two games of the series, which is locked 1-1.
He will feature as part of a youthful backline with the four players between No.9 and No.12 having just 17 Test caps between them.
McDermott, 22, was behind Jake Gordon in the pecking order for the first two Tests, with Wallabies coach Dave Rennie openly criticising the Queensland Reds players’ “core skills”.
“Look, it’s no secret and even I’d admit to that,” said McDermott when asked about Rennie’s critique.
“My pass is probably not where it needs to be and that’s something we’ve spoken about from a coaching point of view.
“For me it’s being about spending time with Dave, Scott Wisemantel, Jake [Gordon] and Ryan Lonergan to work and improve together.
“I’ve learnt a lot of how Jake passes and it’s something I’ve tried to add to my game a little bit.
“From the kicking point of view, we’ve had Dave Alred in working on our kicking so that’s been a plus.
Tate McDermott passes during a Wallabies training session. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
“The biggest thing for me is I need to spend time on those core skills. I know I said that last year as well but it’s a part of me. I’ve passed a certain way for so long and it’s not working. There’s a technique aspect that I need to change and I’m really focused on that.”
Rennie has focussed a lot on the Wallabies’ kicking this week after they kicked just nine times in the second Test.
“It’s pretty interesting,” said McDermott. “The first game we probably kicked off No.9 a little too much and then the second game we didn’t kick at all. The biggest thing we’ve spoken about is that balance.
“It’s everyone’s job in the back line to share that load. When we have from No. 9 to No. 15 kicking the ball people can’t predict it, it’s better from our attack point of view and will have a flow on effect with our defence as well.
“That’s been a big talking point this week. Dave has really honed in on that.
“Sometimes we can look at kicking as a bit of a negative and sometimes it can really hinder us. But there is definitely time and space where we have identified that we need to kick it this week.”
McDermott said he felt comfortable with his transition from Super to Test rugby.
“Obviously there is a step up in physicality at Test level and while I haven’t started at 9 I’m not going to change anything,” McDermott said.
“My job is to increase the tempo when I can and that’s what I’m good at. I’ve got guys I need to unleash like Hunter and Lenny, Tom Banks, so my distribution is going to be key in this game.
“But to say I’m going to change aspects of my game is not where my head space is at the moment. I’m going to focus on my strengths.
“I know I’ve got a really important job of steering this team around and I’m going to do my best with that.
“Hunter moving in (from No.13 to No.12) is probably an advantage for me. My strength is to challenge people in and around the ruck and if Hunter is closer, and I know he loves running those ard lines, all I need to do is hit it flat.
“We’ve got to be direct and go straight up the guts and we’ve got to earn the right to go wide.”
McDermott also echoed his coach’s criticism of the French play around the ruck, with the Wallabies convinced the tourists are lingering illegally in an effort to slow Australia’s play.
“It’s an absolute nightmare when teams are doing that intentionally,” he said. “It’s a really good strategy to slow your ball down – whether it’s illegal or not is another question that’s out of my hands.
“It will definitely be talking point when we go to see the referees this week but hopefully it’s adjudicated a little bit better.”
McDermott was thrilled to be named for a start, but made it clear that’s not the main story of the weekend.
“It’s pretty special. I think Jake’s done a really good job so it’s nothing taking away from him, but to play at Suncorp in front of my friends and family is a really special moment for me and my career.
“But there’s more at stake this weekend – it’s not about me. It’s not about the other boys who are getting a run. We’ve got a job to do for our country and there would be no better way to kick start the year than with a series win over the French.
“That’s been focus. I’m really excited don’t get me wrong but at the same time we’ve got a job to do for our country.”
While Australia made eight changes, France made seven.
France coach Fabien Galthie recalled winger Teddy Thomas among those. He switched four forwards with Clermont tighthead prop Sipili Falatea and Montpellier loosehead prop Enzo Forletta coming in.
They will line up alongside Toulon lock Romain Taofifenua and Lyon flanker Dylan Cretin.
Galthie also shook up the backs, with Racing’s Thomas, France’s most experienced player who has scored some brilliant tries for his country, getting the nod for the first time on tour.
Six French players — Gatean Barlot, skipper Anthony Jelonch, Baptiste Couilloud, Arthur Vincent, Damian Penaud and Melvyn Jaminet — will play a third Test in 11 days.
France (15-1): Melvyn Jaminet; Damian Penaud, Pierre-Louis Barassi, Arthur Vincent, Teddy Thomas; Antoine Hastoy, Baptiste Couilloud; Anthony Jelonch (captain), Cameron Woki, Dylan Cretin, Romain Taofifenua, Cyril Cazeaux; Sipili Falatea, Gaetan Barlot, Enzo Forletta
Replacements: Anthony Etrillard, Quentin Walcker, Demba Bamba, Pierre-Henri Azagoh, Alexandre Becognee, Julien Heriteau
numpty
Roar Rookie
Well, this comment aged like off cheese. Also, its *lose.
numpty
Roar Rookie
He has been saying this since at least last year. Players are under a constant microscope by a flurry of coaches. They are (almost) always hyper aware of their limitations/work ons. Whether they do actually improve them or not is another thing.
Phil
Roar Rookie
You didn’t answer either question.
Barabbus
Guest
Because the only way you can go out wide when they are set and you don’t have front foot ball is to stand deep behind the ad line. The defence rushes up and if you are caught you are generally caught 10m or so behind the ad line, which makes ball retention hard and generally means slow ball. After doing that we generally kick the ball away in a position of weakness.You get on the front foot, their defence is less set, then you look for the gaps in their defence. Agree you need to play what is in front of you, not just throw it wide in hope. Besides the idea of the rush defence is that if someone beats you on the outside you can generally run across in cover and pin them to the sideline.
Rhys Bosley
Roar Pro
Still think he was bring sarcastic? They walk amongst us.
Phil
Roar Rookie
Not always. Why not stretch them wide and make them run? then go up the guts once they’re stretched? As their compressed and rushing there’s space out wide right? They want us to go straight at them so they can chop and pilfer which they’re been very successful at don’t you think? Going wide doesn’t have to be hands, can kick as well. We need to play what’s in front of us.
Phil
Roar Rookie
Ok answer this without sarcasm: If they’re rushing there’s space out wide isn’t there? Why go straight into the compressed defence when they are being so successful at chop and pilfer?
Johan
Guest
Rhys- I was taking the Mickey but there is a kernel of truth in my comments. When the wallabies were good in the 1990s their players were predominantly GPS types who were often well mannered, articulate and played for the love of the game. Almost all had played when the game was still amateur and had experienced employment outside rugby. Conversely the current wallabies appear full of poorly behaved mercenaries who are motivated mostly by money and will play any sport at anytime in any place for anyone if the price is right. That said, I have enjoyed the series but been surprised by how close it has been. I expected the wallabies to win the series 3-0 easily given this is nowhere near France’s first team and the wallabies are at home and didn’t have to quarantine unlike the French. To be honest I have deeply unimpressed with Rennie since he came in and if the wallabies don’t win, and win well, tonight by 15 plus points, I feel he should be sacked. How long can a coach who can’t beat Argentina at home or a French B team at home be maintained.
Wigeye
Guest
For sure complete package. Why do others say oh they still learning and new to test level got me buggered. Back in the 70s and 80s we learnt the basics in primary and intermediate school as well as the neighbourhood local park. No excuses you must be ready to go when go up to the national side . And I can nearly garuntee wallaby's loose by a few cause hopper won't take early kicks its points at the end that matters Clarence.
Barabbus
Guest
You’re right. We should just throw it wide early against the set rush defence of the French. Smart footy.
JW
Guest
He’s 22. He’s still learning. He’s obviously intelligent so hopefully time with the best players and best coaches in the country will help move him from good to great.
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
Going up the guts is how you get to the point of it being 'on'
Puff
Roar Rookie
Like all Wallaby supporters I wish McDermott the best. Dave Rennie obviously recognizes something in McDermott’s potential that is not that evident. Not been too critical but when any rugby player is elevated to Wallaby status, he should be the complete package. The conjecture being, there are a few skills very much in question making him work in progress. Behind a pack that will be absorbing considerable pressure in the first 30min, his time and space will be severely abridged. With the limited combination experience of the inside backs at this level, Rennie is placing a lot of faith in this young man’s capability. Good Luck!
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
:laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
Finally! People have been saying this about his game for years. If he sorts things out he’s got the potential to be the number one 9 in Australia. Glad it’s been realised but wish it had come 2 years ago
Phil
Roar Rookie
Don’t agree. If it’s on out wide you go there. Especially with a condensed defence like the French have had.
Phil
Roar Rookie
Except Stewart passed the ball whereas Paisami will drop it or die with it
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Good to see a bit of humility from this lad. I rate Joe Powell our best half . I have hope for McDermott and Fines. All have a long way to go. Aaron Smith and Faf DeKlerk are as good as anyone has ever been.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Good to see a bit of modesty. Let’s face it we are not strong anywhere much. McDermott is in my opin
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
Yes but… “Look, it’s no secret and
evenI’dadmit to that,” said McDermott when asked about Rennie’s critique. “My pass isprobablynot where it needs to be “I’ve learnt a lot of how Jake passes and it’s something I’ve tried toadd to my gamea little bit. Dear Jake, fixed that for you. Commit, son, commit! We are with you on this!