Brumbies scrumhalf Nic White has put himself on notice to deliver an improved Super Rugby performance against the Cheetahs, arguing second-rate displays won’t be enough to topple the unpredictable South Africans.
White, who has taken over goalkicking duties following the departure of former skipper Matt Giteau, was shaky in his debut against the Force two weeks ago, missing five from eight, including two conversions.
The Brumbies ended up 19-17 victors but, at the time, coach Jake White said it meant the difference between a thriller and a comfortable win.
The 21-year-old admits he needs to lift to prove his credentials at No.9.
“I didn’t kick very well and there were definitely parts of that game where I could have taken more opportunities to come away with points,” he said.
“But I feel at home at No.9. I’m one of the younger players in the team but I’ve been playing No.9 long enough that I feel comfortable directing the game.
“It’s a pretty important position and I do need to step up and kind of take that responsibility on my shoulders as well as goalkicking.
“It’s a pressure that I’m happy to bear.”
White has recovered from a cold in time to tackle the Cheetahs who he expects will test the Brumbies’ defence on Saturday.
The home team will be favourites against a side which has yet to notch a win at Canberra Stadium and which suffered a demoralising 51-19 drubbing against the Bulls last weekend.
But White noted the Cheetahs were likely to galvanise after a bitter loss.
“They like to throw the ball around and they’re going to be pretty tough up front with Coenie Oosthuizen coming back into the front row – he’s a massive bloke.
“We want to play a quick game.
“We know the Cheetahs are going to play quick and, if we can just nail execution a little bit more than them, we should come away with the points.”
Like his tight-lipped teammates, White made no mention of his namesake, other than to say the drama surrounding head coach Jake White’s future at the club had made no impact on preparations this week.
The South African finally confirmed rumours that he had been sounded out to head England and, most importantly, that he was keen to take the job.
White – the scrumhalf – denied it had taken the focus off the Cheetahs game.
