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THEY have played just one full game together but Matt Giteau and Will Genia have emerged as a potentially lethal scrumbase combination for the Wallabies in their showdown with the All Blacks in Wellington tomorrow.
The halves clicked from the opening whistle when they teamed up in the Aussies' 21-6 win over South Africa a fortnight ago with Genia producing a man-of-the- match performance in his starting Test debut.
The pair lifted each other and the rookie No.9 Genia said a lot of the credit for his smooth transition into the Test side came down to playing alongside the attacking ace Giteau.
"He is great - when we are on the field all I have to do is listen to what he calls and it's so easy for me to fit into the team structure,'' Genia said. "In terms of off the field he gives me little clues to look out for because he has played at halfback before.
"As a No.9 and 10 you have to work well together, and he has also been really good in terms of supporting me.''
Genia said the presence of Berrick Barnes, who is likely to switch between inside-centre and five-eighth tomorrow, had also had a big influence.
"I think Barnsey makes it a lot easier for the both of us too. There is just so much talk coming in from the outside,'' he said.
And while he is one of the most electrifying players in international rugby, Giteau said Genia had helped make his job at five-eighth a lot easier.
"Will has got good service, consistently he is finding the mark, he is taking the right options, he is quite creative around the ruck,'' Giteau said.
He said against the Springboks in Brisbane, Genia was able to attract players and put back-rower Rocky Elsom into a hole.
"I think for me it creates a little bit more space, obviously his kicking game was very good in Brisbane as well. It takes a lot of pressure off the ballplayer.''
Genia displayed a real confidence in his effort against the Springboks as evidenced by his willingness to take a quick tap which almost resulted in him scoring under the posts.
"I think it is probably just the way I play. You never really want to change too much depending on sides you get picked in,'' Genia said. "It's more just wanting to back yourself.''
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