Genia keen to put 2013 behind him

Editor

Reds and Wallabies scrum-half Will Genia is determined to bounce back after some inconsistent performances in 2013.

Reds and Wallabies scrum-half Will Genia is determined to bounce back after some inconsistent performances in 2013.

Genia, admits that last season was the toughest of his career. Despite a fine return in Super Rugby, with the Reds, after knee surgery, the 26-year-old's form was inconsistent for the Wallabies and he eventually lost his place in the starting line-up to Nic White during the Rugby Championship.

Earlier, he was impressive for the Wallabies in the first two Tests against the British and Irish Lions but was below par in the series decider in Sydney which the Lions won.

“That was huge,” he told AAP of the impact of the 2-1 defeat.

“The fact it still hurts just thinking about it probably says it was emotionally big and it was.”

After trading places with White, Genia was back in the saddle as the Wallabies' starting scrum-half on their end-of year tour to Europe and that form was evident during the Reds' 31-20 pre-season triumph against the Chiefs in Toowoomba at the weekend.

“It was good to finish off the year on a high,” added Genia.

“To finish off being back in the team, finish off playing well and with [a winning tour].

“It was a tough year. It was one I learnt a lot from, being in and out of the team, and one that I needed to go away and learn a lot about myself as a person.”

With the Reds set to face the Rebels in their final pre-season match in Brisbane on Friday, Genia believes he is now much better prepared to deal with the game's highs and lows.

“This is my favourite time of the year,” he said.

“I love being back here at Ballymore and pulling on the Reds jersey.”