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White backs Wallabies to bounce back after Ellis Park defeat

Cape Town - Wallabies scrumhalf Nic White is backing his side to turn around their Rugby Championship fortunes when they face Argentina in Brisbane on Saturday.

Michael Cheika’s men struggled in Johannesburg at the weekend, succumbing 35-17 to a weakened South Africa side in the competition’s opener.

It was a disappointing start to the year for a team that also faltered in 2018, winning just four of their 13 matches.

Australia will look to rectify those problems heading into their game against Los Pumas and White insists that they will be much better in Brisbane.

“It may have been a little bit clunky but we feel that we’re putting a few things in place and that we’re not far away,” White told reporters.

“We are trying to do things a bit differently so there’s going to be a few teething problems but I felt like in that first half when we were patient we were creating opportunities.

“If a few of those opportunities go to hand that game looks a lot different so it’s not panic stations. We need to work on a few things and make sure we take those moments and I think that’s something we can turn around in a week.”

The encounter on Saturday was the scrumhalf’s first cap since 2015 having spent the past four years in Europe with Montpellier and Exeter Chiefs.

Although White is delighted to return to the fold, the 29-year-old concedes that it will mean little if they can’t produce positive displays in the final two Rugby Championship matches.

“It’s good to be back but I want the results now,” he said. “We’ve got to be able to take opportunities when they come and if those ones come, I’m happy to take them.”

Despite playing in England with Exeter over the past couple of seasons White may well have a familiar face in opposition on Saturday, in the shape of Santiago Cordero.

The two played alongside each other at the Chiefs and, although Cordero was not involved against New Zealand, the flyer has been named in the 30-man squad that has travelled to Australia.

White added: “That bloke can dead-set step blokes in a phone box.

“I’ve obviously played against a few other Argie boys and they are tough guys to play. They are a good team and they’re very athletic, muscly guys... we’re going to have our hands full.”

Saturday's Test in Brisbane is scheduled for 11:45 (SA time).

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