QUEANBEYAN Whites contracted player Nic White was on Tuesday named Wallabies scrumhalf in favour of decorated star Will Genia to take on France in the first test in Brisbane on Saturday.
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White, who moved from his home region of the Hunter Valley to Queanbeyan in 2009 to further his career, will make his fourth start in his 11th cap for the green and gold after an inspiring Super Rugby season to date with the ACT Brumbies.
And with highly capped Wallabies and former Whites juniors in brothers Saia and Anthony Faingaa missing selection after average performances with the Queensland Reds, White will take the field along with outside centre and fellow Whites contracted player Tevita Kuridrani.
ACT Brumbies head coach Steve Larkham said Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie made the right call selecting who he labelled "the best halfback in Australia" in White.
"Being the best halfback in Australia generally means you're one of the best halfbacks in the world, so Nic thoroughly deserves to start for the Wallabies," said Larkham.
"He's benefited from the consistent combinations we've had at the Brumbies and he has lead from the front."
"Genia has been more inconsistent than Nic but he's been unlucky in that the Reds have been through a lean patch lately."
Larkham has been impressed by his young Brumbies scrumhalf, just 23 years of age, all season, telling The Queanbeyan Age in April White should be called upon by McKenzie.
He said White's greatest asset is the energy he brings to the side, and backed this element of his game to carry him through the rest of the international season this year.
"Without a doubt he is the best half at the moment in terms of the energy he has," said Larkham.
"He works great with combinations, he has a great service game, passing, kicking and defence, but it is his energy and work ethic that the Wallabies need to match the stronger international rugby nations."
Kuridriani arrived at the Brumbies in 2012 where he was delegated to Queanbeyan Rugby under the Brumbies compulsory local club contracting.
The Fijian-born Queensland product will start for the Wallabies for the sixth time, and Larkham again praised McKenzie for selecting on current form.
"Tevita's really flourished off the back of our strong combinations with White and Matt Toomua directing play, and his ability to hit hard out hard is hardly rivaled," said Larkham.
Kuridrani's two tries against defending champions the Waikato Chiefs five weeks ago would have gone a long way to his selection.
Queanbeyan Whites committee member and Brumbies Runners manager Bob Brady said his club was proud to have both players start for the Wallabies.
"It is a reward for consistent efforts throughout the Super Rugby season and a testament to both players' work ethic," he said.
The first test against France kicks off at 8pm.