The Brumbies have put together a list of some of the world's most experienced No. 9s as potential recruits, including South African Fourie du Preez and France's Frederic Michalak.

Canterbury Crusaders star Andy Ellis has dropped out of contention and is believed to be keen to stay in New Zealand. But 51 Test All Black Cowan has joined the market as the Brumbies attempt to fill White's shoes.

White and Cowan will battle when the Brumbies play the Auckland Blues at Eden Park on Friday night, giving 33-year-old Cowan a perfect chance to impress Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham.

White says he won't backflip on his decision to join French club Montpellier at the end of the year, despite rival Will Genia announcing a deal with Stade Francais last week.

Genia and White's impending departures after the World Cup leaves a huge hole in Australian rugby's scrumhalf depth.

"I spoke to Will before I made my decision and got a gauge from where his head was at," White said.

"For me, it was more about getting my head right. Will's decision doesn't change my thinking at all.

"There's an opportunity for someone else to put their hand up when we go. Yeah, it looks thin but someone else will come through and take everyone by surprise. I think there's plenty of depth here."

Cowan made his comeback to Super Rugby this year after a two-year stint with English club Gloucester.

The Brumbies are keen to get a world class replacement for White while back up Michael Dowsett to continue his development.

But they have not settled on an ideal candidate and Larkham says the club won't rush into a decision.

"We'd obviously like to sign someone sooner rather than later, but we don't feel any pressure to do so," Larkham said.

Larkham is hoping for a more composed effort from the Brumbies in their clash against the Blues after they missed seven chances to score tries in the 20-3 win against the Free State Cheetahs.

The Brumbies dominated the match against the Cheetahs, but could only notch two tries and missed an opportunity to secure a crucial bonus point.

Larkham hoped the Brumbies would add a clinical edge to their game this week, but said criticism of their attack was misplaced.

The Brumbies have scored 21 tries this year while conceding just six tries in seven games, giving them the best defensive record in the competition.

"We left a lot of tries out there against the Cheetahs and it's certainly something we've spoken about," Larkham said.

"Our attack is a week to week proposition and we will attack differently when we play against the Blues. Our defence is the constant and I'm happy with that.

"Speculation by the media that our attack is not where it needs to be is misguided. We've got a long way to go in this competition and there are areas of our game that needs improvement."

Lock Rory Arnold is expected to train with the team on Wednesday, but needs to get through a full session before he is added to the travelling squad.

White is preparing to take on Blues duo Cowan and Jamison Gibson-Park as he continues his push for Wallabies World Cup selection.

The 24-year-old was relegated to Australia's third choice scrumhalf on the spring tour of Europe last year, but is embracing the challenge to force his way back into the Test No. 9 jersey.

"There are little lessons I'm still learning but they're fewer and further between, I feel like I'm doing the basics a bit better," White said.

"You're still searching for that perfect game and looking to improve. I feel I'm still growing and learning."

SUPER RUGBY ROUND NINE

Friday: Auckland Blues v ACT Brumbies at Eden Park, 5.35pm (AEST). TV time: Live on Fox Sports 2