Wallabies halfback Will Genia has figured out he can do more for the side simply by doing less.
Genia is a marked man for Australia’s second clash with Wales in Melbourne on Saturday night after steering his side to a first Test win with a commanding performance.
The 24-year-old welcomed the added attention that’s set to come at Etihad Stadium and said he was up to the challenge.
Genia said he had learnt a lot about himself this year playing for the Queensland Reds without injured long-time halves partner Quade Cooper and he’d transferred that to his international game.
“The thing I learnt during the Super Rugby without Quade being there was that I have to play naturally and not try to do too much and trust the guy outside me,” Genia said on Friday.
“The moment I try to do too much and take on too much responsibility, it doesn’t work – it doesn’t help my own game.
“Super Rugby was a steep learning curve because I had to learn how to control things without Quade being there and I think I’m a much better player for it.”
Playing alongside Berrick Barnes, a more traditional No.10 than the flamboyant Cooper, was an adjustment but Genia said the pair worked well together.
“I have every faith in Berrick.
“We had some chats about what we wanted to do and that all worked out.
“It’s a matter of trusting the game plan and the guys inside and outside you.”
Genia said his man-of-the-match performance was only possible because of the work done by the Wallabies forwards but didn’t think he’d be given as much room to move in the second Test.
His outside backs can expect even more involvement if Wales’ plan to pressure him by starving him of quick ball comes to the fore.
“I’ll just ship it early than look to run,” Genia said.
“If there’s a little more attention close to the ruck, then there’ll be space elsewhere.”