Australia scrum-half Will Genia believes England have developed into formidable opposition due to Eddie Jones’ ability to harness their strengths.
Genia will win his 100th cap in Saturday’s final Quilter International at Twickenham having lost four of his last six outings against the Red Rose.
The 30-year-old was involved in the thumping victory which sent England crashing out of their own World Cup in 2015, but was also part of the Wallabies’ 30-6 rout last autumn.
“England know their strengths and they play a winning brand of rugby and that’s something I’ve seen since Eddie has been involved with them,” Genia said.
“They play to their strengths and like the physical battle. They don’t shy away from their strengths, which is something I admire.
“England will bring lots of physicality. We had a brief look at their game against the All Blacks last night (Sunday), doing a bit of preview.
“That physicality is a huge strength of theirs because of the forward pack they have, but also they have Ben Te’o. They’ll come with that sense of physicality.
“Also having Owen Farrell in the team means they dictate the game really well with their kicking.
“They really outplayed us in that area last year. They play conditions and territory really well, putting us under huge pressure.”
Australia have won only four of their last 12 matches but Genia still has appetite for the fight as a long season nears its conclusion.
“It’s not been a difficult year at all, I love it. It’s part and parcel of the job. You win, you lose,” Genia said.
“You cop it from the fans and the media. You take it but I love it. The biggest thing we’re learning at the moment is resilience and building that consistency.
“There’s never been a day when I’ve questioned it being hard.”
PA
