In full flight: Wallaby Nick Phipps.
Waratahs halfback Nick Phipps says the Wallabies are out to earn back their “honour” in Perth this weekend.
Phipps said it was “relieving” to know he earned his first Test start since 2012 but said he wanted to make the appearance count with a comeback against South Africa after the lowlight of the loss at Eden Park two weeks ago.
“There has been a pretty big focus at the start of this week just to shrug it off, and get that energy back up,” he said.
“There have been a lot of blokes pumping up at training and having a laugh, and forgetting about [the second Bledisloe Test], that’s in the past.
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“Now we have a massive challenge this week and it’s exciting.
“Looking forward, no one is depressed. No one is sitting on their hands. We are pumped to get back into it and regain a bit of honour, and a bit of faith.”
After making his debut in the No.9 jersey in the Wallabies loss to Samoa in 2011, Phipps went on to earn a further six appearances off the bench and seven more starts in 2012, when Will Genia was battling a knee injury.
He made just two appearances in the gold jersey last year and under Ewen McKenzie it has taken a Super Rugby title and five Tests as Nic White’s understudy for Phipps to be handed the reins at halfback.
The 25-year-old said it was worth the wait.
“I guess this is a lot different to some of the other starts I have had before.
“They were off the back of a few injuries and a few lean opportunities, and being able to completely earn it is very relieving.
“I am a completely different player now to what I was four years ago, so being able to have this opportunity in the mental state that not only myself but that the team has got is quite a good opportunity.”
Phipps will take the field in the company of old friends, with Wycliff Palu at No.8 and Bernard Foley at five-eighth, and an all-NSW back three.
While McKenzie has stressed the combinations were not a selection starting point, Phipps was not complaining about teaming up with Foley for the first time in their Test careers.
“It’s good knowing he’s outside me,” he said.
“I have played a fair bit of footy with Bernie growing up, so knowing my little mate is out there is quite calming and relieving. I guess more so that I know exactly where we want to go and what he wants to try and do. I will do my very best to get him there.”