Wallabies scrumhalf Nic White admits he was “nervous” about returning to South Africa after his infamous theatrics against the Springboks in 2022.
The veteran scrumhalf was centre of controversy two years ago when he went down clutching his face after an inadvertent slap from Faf de Klerk in Adelaide.
The incident saw De Klerk wrongly sin-binned, with White heavily criticised for his actions.
Speaking on the Behind the Ruck podcast, White said: “Obviously, I was a little bit nervous coming back to South Africa. After 2022, I must admit, I got a bit of a backlash and rightfully so. It’s not a moment that I was proud of, but I’d like to think over 300 plus games, people can get past one moment that I apologised for after the game.”
Throwback to when Faf de Klerk dislocated Nic White’s moustache#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold #RSAvAUS #SSRugby pic.twitter.com/0MWvj65GM0
— Kat (@Domino_Kat) August 16, 2025
The 35-year-old starred in Australia’s shock 38-22 win at Ellis Park – their first victory in Joburg since 1963 – and impressed again in Cape Town before going off for an HIA.
Despite the intensity on the pitch, White said the Wallabies were treated brilliantly off it.
“The hospitality we felt in South Africa was unreal. The people were so nice and that’s what I remembered before 2022. I love how passionate the people in South Africa are for their rugby.”
White recalled being “mobbed” by fans in Cape Town and happily taking photos with kids.
“It really is a dream to get over there and play in front of that sort of atmosphere. The appreciation for the way we went about our rugby was awesome.”
ALSO: Tony eager to help Boks topple Eden Park fortress
The Boks gained a semblance of revenge at Cape Town Stadium with a 30-22 win.
“We certainly gave it everything we had,” said White. “But we felt the pressure of the Springboks … they really squeezed us and created some errors.”
Photo: Floris van Schouwenburg/Gallo Images
The post White haunted by Faf flop appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Wallabies scrumhalf Nic White admits he was “nervous” about returning to South Africa after his infamous theatrics against the Springboks in 2022.
The post White haunted by Faf flop appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
