All Blacks Test is no dead rubber: Genia

Wallabies halfback Will Genia denied Australia's October 30 Test against New Zealand
in Hong Kong is being thought of as a practice match.
Even with hopes of winning the Bledisloe Cup dashed for another year, the classy
No.9 declared the Australians won't be using it merely as a preparation game for
next month's Spring Tour of Europe and next year's World Cup.
Coach Robbie Deans' systems are all working towards the 2011 Cup in New Zealand, but
that doesn't mean a Test against the All Blacks isn't being treated as anything but
do-or-die.
"No way, it's another Test match," Genia told AAP.
"You never take them lightly, it's not a stepping stone to another Test match or
another tour, it's what we're preparing for.
"You hear Robbie and the coaches constantly saying this is New Zealand, there's been
no mention of England or Wales or any other team.
"New Zealand is the first game and that's what we're focusing on."
It's been a month since the Wallabies lost 23-22 to the All Blacks in Sydney, having
led for the majority of the match.
Genia said coming back into camp in preparation for the fourth and last Bledisloe
feels like a fresh start, with the three week break providing a chance to take stock
of what needs improving.
"Definitely, it feels like a new group that's gathered together," he said.
"We're trying to build on I guess what we've achieved in the Tri Nations and I'm
really excited going forward.
"As a group we've got an idea of what we're going to fix up on and ... we're
definitely attending to those things in our training sessions.
"You take three weeks off, you reflect back on the tournament itself and you look at
things you can improve on. It's easier when you've taken a step back as opposed to
being in the heat of the moment trying to make improvements and corrections.
"(In the last Test in Sydney) I think the first time for a long time we felt like we
were on top of them in the game and it was just unfortunate the way they hung in
there ... and through game smarts were able to come away with the win.
"We want to become a team that wins, but is just consistent."



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