Genia returns to starting lineup against Scotland
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has named Will Genia at scrumhalf for the clash with Scotland on Sunday (AEDT), after the 28 year-old was released by French side Stade Francais.
Will Genia replaces Nick Phipps in the starting 15, despite the 27 year-old's strong showing in the 32-8 win over Wales, which caught the eye of Cheika.
“I think Phipps had two really good games, I do, against New Zealand then against Wales. But Genia, I thought he's been one of our best all season,” he said.
“I just feel that this is a good game for him to play, come back in and get straight into it and then Nick will finish the game.
“I think Nick's standard has definitely gone up from what I saw earlier in the year and now there's a real competition going on there.”
Cheika has named a six-two bench ahead of Australia's second Spring Tour Test with Will Skelton and Dean Mumm coming into the 23-man squad but the Wallabies coach insists his side still boasts plenty of flair.
“There's still plenty of backs on the field,” he said.
“There's no reason why it can't be a flashy game.
Wallabies squad:
IN: Will Genia, Dean Mumm, Will Skelton, Tom Robertson,
OUT: Nick Frisby, Sefa Naivalu, Scott Fardy, James Slipper
1. Scott Sio (26 Tests)
2. Stephen Moore (c) (113 Tests)
3. Sekope Kepu (74 Tests)
4. Rory Arnold (7 Tests)
5. Adam Coleman (8 Tests)
6. David Pocock (62 Tests)
7. Michael Hooper (62 Tests)
8. Lopeti Timani (4 Tests)
9. Will Genia (72 Tests)
10. Bernard Foley (38 Tests)
11. Henry Speight (7 Tests)
12. Reece Hodge (7 Tests)
13. Tevita Kuridrani (41 Tests)
14. Dane Haylett-Petty (11 Tests)
15. Israel Folau (49 Tests)
Reserves
16. Tolu Latu (1 Test)
17. Tom Robertson (4 Tests)
18. Allan Alaalatoa (6 Tests)
19. Rob Simmons (67 Tests)
20. Will Skelton (16 Tests)
21. Dean Mumm (53 Tests)
22. Nick Phipps (49 Tests)
23. Quade Cooper (65 Tests)
