Jordan Jackson-Hope's patience is set to be rewarded on Saturday night, as he gets his first chance at a Waratahs-Brumbies derby.
The 20-year-old showed promise in his two matches last season and was one of the standouts in Australia’s U20s campaign in Manchester, but he’s had to wait for his opportunity this time around.
The addition of Kyle Godwin into the 12 spot and the solid form of wingers James Dargaville and Henry Speight in the opening weeks has made the backline tough for Jackson-Hope to crack.
Dargaville has been rotated out this week, with Nigel Ah Wong getting his first chance starting on the wing and Jackson-Hope said all he could do now was take his chance with both hands.
“It was out of my control. We spoke a little bit and he was happy with how I was going but I just had to be patient,” he said.
“There’s a few guys ahead of me but now my opportunity’s here I don’t want to waste it, I want to make the most of it and prove that I deserve to be here.”
Jackson-Hope could play a crucial role in a match set to be plagued by the weather, a vital spark of energy in the
“I’m expecting that. I don’t want to come on and try and change the game dramatically, I just want to do my job fulfil my role within the team,” he said.
“I’m expecting it to be pretty close if I do get on.
“I don’t want to overplay my hand too much and do my role within the team and hopefully we’ll get the win.” - Kyle Godwin
Brumbies captain Sam Carter said consistency would be the key for the Brumbies, after two losses on the death and a late resurgence over the Force last week.
“They’re a typical Waratahs team, they’re going to be physical and they’re going to run the ball a lot,” he said.
“So it’s going to be a tough match. We’re going to have to do our best to counter that.”
The Brumbies take on the Waratahs on Saturday night at 7:45pm AEDT, LIVE on FOX SPORTS and via radio on RUGBY.com.au.
