VIDEO: Genia believes Wallabies are on track
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: The clash with the Los Pumas is Australia’s last before back-to-back Bledisloe Cup Tests against New Zealand.
With games running out before this year’s World Cup, Will Genia said it was crucial for the Wallabies to start building momentum.
Earlier this month Genia along with Rebels teammate Quade Cooper announced that they will join Japan’s Kintetsu Liners following this year’s Rugby World Cup, making this weekend’s Test his last outing at the Suncorp Stadium in the gold jersey.
A veteran of Australia’s 2015 tournament, Genia said preparations for this year’s event were all about discovering the Wallabies best combinations.
“We’re in a different position [to 2015] in the sense that we’re trying to do things differently from a game perspective,” he said.
“It was really pleasing to see the way things came together the way they did on the weekend – obviously we didn’t get the result which is disappointing – but trying different things and doing things a different way there’s always going to be some teething problems but I think we’re on track, definitely.”
While Nic White started during the 17-35 defeat to the Springboks, Genia is likely to wear the no.9 in his final campaign at Suncorp Stadium.
And he expects plenty from the Los Pumas, who went within an ace of sweeping Australia last year but for a rousing second-half fightback in Salta.
Furthermore giving the Jaguares’ Super Rugby campaign, Genia knows all too well that the Argentinians is an even tougher challenge on Saturday.
“I think [they’re] a far better team. You look at Super Rugby and see how well the Jaguares played in getting to the final and holding the Crusaders to one try,” he said.
“From a defensive perspective, they’re a very good team and also we know how they like to play with the ball, with a lot of flair.
“I think if you look at their last result, I think the All Blacks would count themselves a little bit lucky to come away with the win there, you’d probably expect them to get over from that maul more often than not.
“So they’re going to be coming here with a lot of confidence which will make our job that much harder as well.”
Commenting on James O’Connor possible return to the Test scene after his departure from Australia six years ago, Genia said that 29-year-old should emulate the performance that White produced last weekend.
“You saw Whitey come back and play very well, hopefully, it can be a similar story with James because I think he was on 44 Tests and he was so young when he left,” Genia said.
“We all know how good he is and hopefully the fact he’s in a better space mentally, he can be an even better player this time around.
“I think, he understands that this is a huge opportunity for him.”
AAP
