Wallabies scrumhalf Will Genia will be at his feisty best in tomorrow night's Bledisloe Cup encounter at ANZ Stadium if his tussle with the media yesterday is any guide.
Genia, who is under no threat of losing his Test starting position, appeared genuinely surprised when a television reporter repeatedly probed him about whether his backup Luke Burgess was now genuinely a contender for the No9 jersey after performing well off the bench in South Africa.
When asked how much pressure Burgess was applying to his place in the team, Genia replied: ''That's a tough question. I've been pretty happy with the way I've been playing, to be honest. I got a try again in Pretoria, and played well for 55 minutes in Bloemfontein. As far as him [Burgess] playing well, it keeps you on your toes, and can only bring the best out in you. It's only better for the group.''
Genia was then asked whether selection continuity or reward for performance from the bench was more important. As on the field, where he is an authoritative figure, Genia appeared similarly determined to hold his ground when surrounded by microphones.
''You're absolutely killing me with these questions. What are you doing? Are you saying I should be dropped?'' Genia said.
''There is obviously a lot of competition for all starting spots, and it only brings out the best in every player. Like I said I'm happy with the way I'm playing, and if I continue playing well, then you won't ask me silly questions.''
Genia also provided the right answers when explaining that the travel factor could not be used as an excuse against the All Blacks this weekend, and that the Wallabies had already showed in recent weeks they can overcome the effects of jetlag.
''It is a tough task travelling from South Africa. But we also had the tough task of travelling over there and did well in both games, including our first outing in Pretoria,'' Genia said .
''Unfortunately we didn't come away with the result in that game, but it showed that travel doesn't really mean too much to us.
''Guys are smart enough to get their bodies right come game time, so we will be right.''
The South African trip was also crucial in teaching the Wallabies an important lesson.
''The biggest thing we had been missing was being able to respond to adversity,'' Genia said.
''We started well in both games in South Africa, but in the first game we didn't respond to them coming back at us.
''But a week later, we did get that response from the guys. By closing out the game, it instilled a lot of belief within the group. That will only serve us in good stead for this week.''
In the wake of their historic victory last Saturday night in Bloemfontein, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans not surprisingly opted for consistency in his Test selections.
The only change to the starting XV was due to Drew Mitchell's hamstring injury, with Lachie Turner moving onto the left wing, while Huia Edmonds is the back-up hooker because of Saia Faingaa's suspension.
The All Blacks have opted for more changes, including the newcomer Aaron Cruden at flyhalf for the sidelined Daniel Carter. But Deans does not think that a new playmaker will affect how the All Blacks approach the Test.
''It will change the dynamics slightly, but it essentially won't change the way they play,'' Deans said.
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