Genia's service slick, praises Giteau - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Genia's service slick, praises Giteau

By Adrian Warren 14/09/2009 07:42:57 PM Comments (0)

Exciting new Wallabies halfback Will Genia has received a big accolade from star five-eighth Matt Giteau, who says the youngster's speedy service gives him more space to work in.

The lively Queensland scrum feeder earned plenty of positive reviews for his run-on debut in Australia's stunning 21-6 win over the world champion Springboks in Brisbane last Saturday week.

Taking over from incumbent Luke Burgess, Genia helped spark the Wallabies backline.

While few people questioned the work-rate of Burgess, his erratic passing inevitably provoked scrutiny over his position.

Capped five times so far, Genia said it would be a privilege and a challenge if he got to start against New Zealand for the first time on Saturday in Wellington.

Giteau praised the young Reds halfback for his option taking and ability to relieve pressure from the teen's ball-playing inside backs.

"I think Will has got good service, consistently he was finding the mark and taking the right options," Giteau told reporters on Monday.

"He was very creative around the rucks.

"There was a number of times where he would get out and he put Rocky (Elsom) through in Brisbane, just by being able to attract players and just with that subtlety.

"I think for me he creates a little bit more space.

"Obviously his kicking game was very good in Brisbane as well, so that takes a lot of pressure off the ball player."

Genia, 21, said kicking was a strength of his game.

He was quick to acknowledge the assistance he had gained from playing inside the much more experienced Giteau.

"He (Giteau) is great. When we are on the field, all I have to do is just listen to what he calls and it's so easy for me to fit into the team structure," Genia told reporters.

"In terms of off the field, he gives me little cues to look out for, because he's played halfback before.

"But as a 9-10, you've got to work well together, so he's been really good in terms of supporting me.

"I think Barnesy (inside centre Berrick) makes it a lot easier for the both of us, there is just so much talk coming in from the outside."

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