Will Genia is set to become the 78th Australian Test captain after being appointed as leader of the Wallabies team named to face the United States at the Rugby World Cup in Wellington tomorrow night.

The 23-year-old Queensland halfback, who made his Test debut in New Zealand three seasons ago, has been handed the reins for what will be Australia’s 528th official Test match, standing in for squad skipper James Horwill.

Genia said the Wallabies have a big job ahead of them as the United States showed against Ireland that they are a totally committed opponent.

While Horwill was available for selection, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said the big lock’s work-load is the primary reason behind the decision to allow him to by-pass the match.
 
Flanker David Pocock has also been allowed to rest up for another week.

The discomfort in his lower back, which saw him forced out of the Irish game, has cleared significantly, with Deans saying the Western Force openside was expected to be “good to go” for next week’s final World Cup Pool match against Russia at Nelson.

Nelson is now also the target for wing James O’Connor, who was yesterday diagnosed with a minor hamstring strain.

In the absence of O’Connor, flyhalf Quade Cooper returns as Australia’s lead-off goal-kicker.

Cooper is one of nine players from the starting line-up in last week’s 6-15 loss to Ireland at Auckland, among the run on combination against. The Wallabies take on USA at 8.30pm tomorrow.

Australia is highly likely to meet South Africa in the RWC quarter finals.


Story by: Vijay Narayan