Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie says it was a difficult decision to relegate Will Genia to the bench for Saturday night’s Test against Argentina in Perth, but feels he’s made the right call.
Genia, considered by many to be the best halfback in world rugby, has been replaced in the starting line-up by Nic White, with No.8 Ben Mowen to take over the captaincy after only making his Test debut in June.
In the only other change to the starting line-up, prop Ben Alexander replaces Sekope Kepu after the Wallabies copped a hiding in the scrum in last week’s 38-12 loss to South Africa.
Quade Cooper has been retained at five-eighth despite his indifferent showing against the Springboks in his long-awaited return to the starting role.
The Wallabies are yet to win a game under McKenzie, who took over from Robbie Deans following the 2-1 series loss to the British and Irish Lions.
Genia has been a fixture in the Wallabies’ side for the past four years but has struggled to find his best form this season, and McKenzie said the 25-year-old was disappointed when told of his axing.
“It’s been a long time since he’s been in that situation,” said McKenzie, who was also Genia’s coach at the Queensland Reds.
“As much as it’s difficult to have those conversations – and I’ve known Will for a very long time – it’s the nature of the business.
“The reality is, we are at the pointy end of Australian rugby and we want a competitive environment.
“Will’s an outstanding player. He’d admit he hasn’t been at the peak of his game of late.
“But he’ll respond as he already has in training. He’s out there pushing himself hard, and he’ll continue to do that.”
Wallabies: Israel Folau, James O’Connor, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Christian Leali’ifano, Nick Cummins, Quade Cooper, Nic White; Ben Mowen (capt), Michael Hooper, Scott Fardy, Kane Douglas, Rob Simmons, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, James Slipper. Res: Saia Fainga’a, Scott Sio, Sekope Kepu, Sitaleki Timani, Ben McCalman, Will Genia, Matt Toomua, Tevita Kuridrani.