Wallaby Nic White opens up on 2013 Lions heartbreak
NEWS: It’s been 12 long years in the making, and Nic White says it will be a dream come true when he finally gets his chance to play against the British and Irish Lions on Saturday night.
Earlier this year, White opened up on the heartbreaking shoulder injury that robbed him of the chance to face the Lions in 2013, saying it felt like his world ended.
Now 35 years of age and still in the Wallabies squad, White will captain the Western Force against the Lions in the tour opener in front of more than 40,000 fans in Perth.
In the lead-up to the match, there’s been a common theme running through his mind.
“Don’t get injured,” White said with a laugh.
“Twelve years ago, I got injured and missed that opportunity, and it’s been in the back of my mind for a long time now, a bit over a decade.
“To get the opportunity to play against the Lions is unreal. It’s a real dream come true, words don’t really do it justice.”
Having missed out on the chance to face the Lions as a 23-year-old, White now truly appreciates just how special the once-in-a-12-year opportunity is.
“Once I missed that series, young and naive, I was like, ‘I’m going to play in Australia and for the Wallabies for the next 10 years’,” he said.
“That’s just not a reality, is it?
“I went overseas early, and that was always in the back of my mind that if I had an opportunity to come back to Australia around that time, I’d love to give it another nudge.
“Just playing the Lions as part of a Super Rugby side is a huge deal.
“It really is a pinch-me moment. A lot of people have these dreams, but for the dream to come true, it’s pretty rare and pretty special.”
Kurtley Beale played all three Tests against the Lions in Australia’s 2-1 series loss in 2013.
Beale’s most memorable moment was his infamous slip while attempting to kick the match-winning penalty in the 80th minute in game one.
A hamstring injury at training means Beale won’t get to line up with the Force on Saturday, but he’s on track to play against the Lions as part of the First Nations and Pasifika side in Melbourne on July 22.
“Absolutely gutted when I found out his hamstring was no good,” White said.
“I’m hoping his rehab goes well and he’s able to don that jersey and play the Lions again, because that would be a pretty cool story.
“It’s a bit more of a redemption story for him with the way 2013 went.”
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