‘I know what to expect’: Wallabies flyhalf Carter Gordon primed for Rugby World Cup

At just 22 years of age, playmaker Carter Gordon is ready to play a key role for the Wallabies at the upcoming Rugby World Cup in France.

With just four Test caps to his name, which includes two starts in the No. 10 jersey, Gordon has been picked by coach Eddie Jones as the sole flyhalf in the Wallabies’ 33-man squad.

Veteran Quade Cooper was sensationally omitted from the youthful squad, with utility Ben Donaldson likely to play a backup role to Gordon on the biggest stage in rugby union.

Following a breakout campaign in Super Rugby Pacific with the Melbourne Rebels, Gordon was included in coach Jones’ squad for The Rugby Championship.

Gordon went on to make his Test debut in Wallaby gold during the heavy defeat against world champions South Africa in Pretoria – but the rising star was a shining light.

South Africa had all but won the Test when Gordon ran out onto Loftus Versfeld during the second half. But the super sub went on to score his first Test try with a superb long-range finish.

It was a promising sign. Australian rugby fans wanted more.

Gordon was named on the bench for the Test against Los Pumas in Sydney, but did enough to impress coach Eddie Jones ahead of a two-match Bledisloe Cup series.

Ahead of the Wallabies’ clash with the All Blacks at the world-famous MCG last month, coach Jones officially unveiled his Wallabies team on the Thursday – with Carter named at No. 10.

“To get that start, I’m extremely grateful,” Gordon told reporters on Tuesday.

“To have two starts now under my belt, I’m obviously growing with a bit of confidence and I just can’t wait to get over to France.

“Obviously I was a little bit nervous for that first start in Melbourne, massive crowd. I really enjoyed it though. I’m glad everything happened the way it did.”

Gordon started quite well in front of almost 84,000 people at the ‘G, but things took an unfortunate turn after missing what appeared to be a relatively routine penalty attempt.

The Aussie pivot started dropping high balls, miss kicking the ball, and just generally failing to assert himself as the All Blacks took control. Gordon was replaced during the second-half.

But it was a lesson, and like he said, “I’m glad everything happened the way it did.”

Gordon was better against the All Blacks the following weekend at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium, and appears to be growing in confidence with each and every Test.

“Those two are probably the two biggest crowds I’ve played in front of, again with the South African crowd,” Gordon added.

“I feel like I know what to expect now.”

The Wallabies play France later in this month in their only Test this year outside of The Rugby Championship, Bledisloe Cup and Rugby World Cup.

Australia will look to avoid an 0-5 run under new coach Eddie Jones when they take on tournament hosts France in Paris.

Les Bleus will be without Romain Ntamack, with the flyhalf picking up a knee injury against Scotland last weekend. The world-class playmaker will miss the Rugby World Cup.

“It’s always terrible to hear someone go down with an injury like that just before the World Cup.

“Obviously thoughts are with him but definitely try not to think about the injuries or anything like that.”