Genia highlights Welsh rugby's problem

Jim Morton,
AAP Updated November 29, 2013, 4:06 am


Wallabies halfback Will Genia has shone a light on Welsh rugby's mental fragility in the latest verbal arrow ahead of Saturday night's spiced-up showdown at Millennium Stadium.

Australia have claimed the past eight matches between two nations, including the most recent three by two points or less, to prompt Wales captain Sam Warburton to admit they've had a psychological block against the Wallabies.

When asked about Warburton's comment on Thursday, Genia was quick to take a line from the 12-step addiction program.

"If they acknowledge it then there obviously is a problem there on their behalf," he said.

"The first step to dealing with a problem is admitting you have one."

It continues the series of tit-for-tat barbs and tough talk between the two fired-up camps ahead of the final international of the year.

Wales coach Warren Gatland has dismissed the relevance of past home losses to Australia because they were treated more like "friendlies" in preparation for the Six Nations.

The Welsh have won only one of 22 Tests against the three Southern Hemisphere heavyweights - New Zealand, South Africa and Australia - since Gatland took over in 2008.

Australia coach Ewen McKenzie has highlighted the importance of keeping a stranglehold over the Welsh who will be pool opponents in the 2015 World Cup, where they meet in the pool of death.

"I guess acknowledging (the psychological issue) is part of their way to solving it," McKenzie said. "It's been like that for a little while so we'll see on the weekend."

Back at No.3 in the world rankings following three straight wins, the Wallabies can register their first four-match streak since 2008 with a season-ending victory in Cardiff.

It's been a long year for many of the starting side - including the likes of forwards Stephen Moore, Ben Mowen, James Slipper and Michael Hooper - who have played 30-plus matches.

But Genia stressed energy levels remained high as they look to end 2013 with a flourish.

"To be honest it's really good," he said. "We had a gym session this morning and everyone was bouncing off the walls."

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