Australia’s Will Genia has stated that his team will aim to entertain on their upcoming tour of the UK. Following the pressures of the World Cup, which saw Australia finish third, the Aussies are looking to have some fun in their forthcoming games. On Saturday they take on the Barbarians in what will be a mouth watering experience if the Aussies live up to Genia’s promise.
“It is all about the spectacle” declared Genia, “We don’t want people walking away thinking it was boring…We are going out there to enjoy ourselves.”
If the Aussies do turn on the style it will no doubt be an attractive game, with the Barbarians likely to play in their traditional style of expansive Rugby. Tries will no doubt be scored and Genia will no doubt be involved in some way. His two previous visits to Twickenham have seen contrasting performances from the Queensland Reds’ scrum half. 2009 saw him dominate the English, inspiring the Wallabies to an 18-9 victory over their great rivals, whereas 2010 saw Genia underperform in a 35-18 defeat to England, with a dominant display from his opposite number, Ben Youngs.
Genia feels he is in better shape than 12 months ago and in his 30th match of the season he will aim to turn on the style with new half back partner James O’Connor. 21 year old O’Connor, will be playing at 10 for the first time at international level. Genia is looking forward to the pairing and has been impressed by his compatriot’s showing in this year’s Super Rugby campaign.
“He Can play the ball – he has shown that in Super Rugby… He really wants the opportunity and hopefully Robbie gives it to him,” Genia says of O’Connor. Saturday will be the first chance to see this half back pairing which has the potential to be Australia’s pairing for many years to come. If Genia and O’Connor both turn on the style, we are in for a real treat on Saturday at Twickenham.