Genia treating final as last Test

He might qualify for the Australian Rugby Union’s 60-cap rule but Wallabies halfback Will Genia is treating this weekend’s World Cup final as his last Test match.

Genia, who will play for Stade Francais next year, will be eligible to represent Australia in future under the same law that allowed coach Michael Cheika to call up Europe-based stars Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell.

While the 27-year-old will undoubtedly take another cap if it’s offered to him, Genia said he’s not thinking that way right now.

“For me, obviously I’ll be eligible and if I’m playing well and I’m lucky enough I’ll get picked, but I kind of see this as my last Test `cause when you go overseas, things change, your mindset, your mentality, everything,” Genia told the Queensland Reds website.

“So for me I kind of see this as my last Test for Australia and I want to make the most of it and really enjoy it.”

Genia said the Wallabies could feel a wave of support from back home ahead of the first-ever trans-Tasman final.

“Having the Australian public behind us is an amazing feeling,” he said.

“It’s a great opportunity for this playing group but also for rugby in Australia to have success and take that back home, to grow the game and generate interest and what not for the game, but first and foremost we’ve obviously got to concentrate on getting the result.”

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