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The revolving door next to him at five-eighth has helped Queensland Reds halfback Will Genia rediscover some of his best form as he prepares for a showdown with Wallabies coach Michael Cheika and his Waratahs.
Genia has been the one constant in the halves for the Reds in the wake of Quade Cooper’s pre-season injury and said he has tried to lift his game in the absence of his usual partner.
“You try to take on a little bit more responsibility because you don’t have the usual guy outside you with the experience that Quade has,” Genia said.
“I think I enjoy that side of the game anyway, you take on a little bit more leadership and responsibility and it gives you a chance to influence the game a little bit more as well.”
The 27-year-old has made a sensational start to the Super Rugby season and will be determined for that to carry into Saturday night’s clash with the Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium.
An extended pre-season break, fatherhood and a focus on strength work – the latter encouraged by Cheika on last year’s Spring Tour – have combined to help Genia find the right headspace to recapture his mojo after an injury-interrupted season last year.
Genia was effusive in his praise for Cheika, but warned he’ll have no issues plotting his downfall this weekend.
“I think he’s a good coach and he’ll do good things for the Wallabies. He’s done very good things for the Waratahs as well,” he said.
“(But) at this stage of the season you don’t see him as a Wallaby coach. You go out there and just see a blue jersey.
“He’s part of what that jersey represents so in essence he is the enemy.”
Not only does he come up against Cheika, but Genia will also lock horns with Australia’s incumbent halfback Nick Phipps – the man he must overthrow to realise his World Cup ambitions.
But Genia is thinking less about that direct battle than the responsibility of steering the Reds alongside makeshift five-eighth James O’Connor, who showed encouraging signs against the Highlanders on Friday night.
“As a halfback you very rarely come across one-on-one opportunities,” Genia said.
“It’s more a case of how you can influence their team as far as managing them around the park.
“(Phipps) plays the way he plays, I play the way I play. We’re completely different players.”
Meanwhile, coach Richard Graham confirmed that Reds trio James Horwill (hand), Ben Tapuai (hamstring) and Samu Kerevi (cork) will all be available for selection.
The Reds will name their team to face the Waratahs on Thursday morning.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.