Genia felt ’embarrassed’ by selection

Editor

Australia's Will Genia revealed that he sent a text message to Nic White saying he felt embarrassed to be picked ahead of him for the Rugby World Cup.

White scored the match-winning try for the Wallabies against the All Blacks two weeks ago in Sydney and looked to have booked his spot on the plane to England.

However he has been passed over for Genia, who revealed the two had exchanged messages.

"I said: 'Look mate, I feel a bit embarrassed because I haven't played much footy and you played really well with your match-winning cameo against the All Blacks off the bench,'" Genia told AAP.

"I said to him: 'I promise you I'll do my best to make you proud.' I think he appreciated it. He sent me a message back."

Genia's stop-start year has seen him struggle to find his top form, but the Stade Français scrum-half will get another crack when the Wallabies face the USA in their final warm-up match on September 5.

"I'm ready to play now. I'm back to full fitness and I'm really looking forward to getting another opportunity to get out there and just play some rugby. It's been a while," he said.

Genia was informed of his selection over the phone by Australia legend George Gregan, with Genia taking his advice to heart.

"It was pretty special [to speak to him]," Genia added.

"He spoke to me for a good 15 minutes, just giving me some advice and tips about going over there but using the experience of 2011.

"He spoke a lot about backing yourself and I really appreciated the phone call."