Wallabies halfback Will Genia has vowed to use the Rugby World Cup to win back the respect of the Australian public, after admitting the team felt underprepared for their failed 2011 campaign.
The Wallabies were knocked out by eventual champions New Zealand in the 2011 semi-finals and Genia insists the exit still sits uneasily with him – as does the criticism directed at the team upon their return to Australia.
Genia felt the Wallabies went into 2011 an underprepared unit under Robbie Deans, so he’s imploring his young teammates to cherish every moment at this World Cup.
“If I look back to 2011, we didn’t have a really specific plan about how we wanted to go about things in that World Cup – as far as preparation and just little things to focus on,” admits Genia, who will start at halfback in the Wallabies’ Cup-opener against Fiji in Cardiff on Wednesday.
“Whereas preparation this time around … we’ve left no stone unturned.
“The detail, everything is there, everything’s been done. The groundwork has been done.
“Everyone has worked hard – beyond hard – to make sure we’re ready physically and mentally. That’s one of the big differences.”
Genia has sat down with the likes of 23-year-old prop Scott Sio, one of seven World Cup debutants lining up against Fiji, to explain the importance of the event.
“When I look back, you kind of just went through the tournament as another series of games,” Genia said of the 2011 campaign.
“Which is a good thing, but also a bad thing, because you don’t grasp the moment.
“You don’t want to overthink things and try to do too much, but at the same time you want to make the most of it.
“It’s not just another game, because you don’t know if you’ll be here four years later.”
Australia enter the World Cup as the No.2-ranked nation in the world behind New Zealand, but a stigma remains about their perceived fragilities: the scrum, goal-kicking and their ability to win the biggest games.
Genia understands the only way to alter those perceptions is by delivering on the field.
But he says it hurts to hear the Australian public taking pot shots at the Wallabies – and he’s making it his mission to ensure they have no reason to “kick us while we’re down” anymore.
“You’re always playing against the best teams in the world – South Africa, New Zealand – and when you don’t do well everyone is ready to jump on the bandwagon to bag you,” he said.
“This is a really good opportunity for us, on the biggest stage of them all, to play well, to make the country proud and bring back those fans who have drifted away from the game.
“It will go a long way to gaining some respect back.”
Genia doesn’t really care what people say about him, but is hurt when they criticise the team “about things that have happened in the past”.
“They don’t back us. They don’t believe in us. That hurts.
“That’s something that is driving me personally to want to do well, to gain that respect and credibility back.”
peter hughes
Guest
I'd prefer Will to stop talking & just play better. Once THE best in the world he's been poor for 3 years now. For starters he needs to - stop kicking inside opposition half - improve accuracy of his kicking - improve decision making - run more - improve defense - stop over playing the blind side - improve speed of pass. Now's your chance Will - shut up & just take it
Bill
Guest
Please forget 2011 and making a semi final against the no 1 team in the world was a pretty good outcome considering. All Genia is saying is the preparation this time is more detailed than last. Maybe Robbie wasn't given Cheiks budget. Anyway lets all get behind our boys and wish them well. Win lose or draw who cares provided they play well and with passion.
Chuck
Guest
Nikola matawalu ,Fiji half back has turbo speed ,it going to be interesting to see Will play after been out of action due to injury .
Redderthankevin
Guest
Yeah I think people will look back and think that, I am not confident we will bring back bill
Ads
Guest
I find Genia makes it very hard for me to like him. He often seems to have the blame ready, and rarely comes across as humble, or as one taking personal responsibility. I think he is the right selection, and wish him all the best.
stainlesssteve
Guest
Indeed, a great idea to blame Deans. He's not really in a position to defend himself Gits will gain more respect, (and i hope he does, i love his game), if he does it on the field, not transferring disrespect with his mouth. Hopefully, he has been quoted out of context Personally, i think Deans was put between a rock and a hard place by the old farts. I have learned to respect Robbie, somewhat against my will, and wish both him and Gits the very best
Adsa
Guest
A great idea to blame Deans for the failed campaign, the more insightful Roarers could see it but the all too frequent Kiwis and Deans apologist would 'stand by their man'. In the end Deans numbers speak for themselves and we will look back on his tenure similar to Reds fans reviewing the Graham era.
taylorman
Roar Guru
You mean more successful than it has been so far with no games played or lost . Odd view...
Redderthankevin
Guest
It was Dean's fault. He took one specialist fetcher. The failure of that campaign was Dean's. It makes me really angry. I think people will look back and see this campaign could have been more successful with hunt as 10/12 cover. Also joc as a winger with horwell and fiaanga as a third hooker. Also turner as a full back and graham as a defensive coach.
Darwin Stubbie
Guest
So all down to Deans last time around ... I wonder what the excuse will be this time ..
Oz in London
Guest
I am excited for our campaign to start. WB's need to execute the basics well, think on their feet and adapt. WB's need to improve the lineout. I have faith that these issues will improve and we will have good tournament. We have a top coach, we have top players, we have depth. Cant wait. Good luck to the Wallabies! Go you good thing!!!!