Genia dropped for Argentina clash

Wallaby coach Ewen McKenzie has announced the team that will take on Argentina in Perth on Saturday, September 14.

Following the 38-12 loss to the Springboks, McKenzie has announced a few changes in the side.

Notably, Will Genia has been dropped to the bench and loses the captaincy to Ben Mowen, who takes the role over with only three months in the Wallaby squad.

Brumbies scrumhalf Nick White then gets the starting nod for the number 9 jersey.

“The fact that Will has captained his country shows what high regard we hold him in and while he is naturally disappointed I also know how competitive he is and I’ve got no doubts he will train himself to a standstill to bounce back as a better player,” McKenzie said.

“We’ve spoken about what areas we believe he can continue to improve and evolve his game and he was receptive to going back and addressing those things.

“In the end, it wasn’t an easy decision because he is undoubtedly a world class player.

“However, we also feel Nic has earned an opportunity to start and will add his own uniqueness and point of difference to how we want to play this game.”

Australia: Israel Folau; James O’Connor, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Christian Leali’ifano, Nick Cummins; Quade Cooper, Nic White; Ben Mowen (captain), Michael Hooper, Scott Fardy; Kane Douglas, Rob Simmons; Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, James Slipper.
Replacements: Saia Fainga’a, Scott Sio, Sekope Kepu, Sitaleki Timani, Ben McCalman, Will Genia, Matt Toomua, Tevita Kuridrani.