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Samo is Genia's 'dad'

Cape Town - The Wallaby pair of Radike Samo and Will Genia have the rugby public abuzz with more than just their performances on the field.

Samo, the Wallabies No 8 and oldest member of the squad at 35-years-old, re-ignited his career this season, first with the Reds in the Super 15, followed by an explosive Tri Series with the Wallabies.

Throughout this time, Samo has been bunk buddies with scrumhalf Genia.

The two have been seen together frequently enough for their Wallaby team-mates to notice that their relationship can be akin to that of a father and his son.

The fact that Samo stands at a giant 1.97m, with Genia measuring a modest 1.74m as well as being 12 years Samo’s junior, aids the notion that the two have a distinct likening to each other.

Genia, who has since shaven his head, quipped that it was in an effort to distinguish himself from the Afro wearing Samo.

“I try to look a bit different (to him). I don’t want to grow my hair,” said Genia in Tuesday’s media conference.

Samo responded by saying that Genia reminds him of his son and that Genia even calls him ‘Dad’ sometimes.

“He's a good bloke, a good mate,” said Samo.

“We room together back in the Reds. When we go on tour he changes the room list because he wants to room with me. I enjoy rooming with him because he reminds me of my son. He takes my washing down and sometimes I'll go pick up the clean washing,” joked the Fijian-born loose forward.

“My son's turning 10 next month, he's pretty much the same height as Willy," added Samo with a smile.

Genia, swift to reply, stoked the flames all in the name of fun.

“He's been brushing me lately... he just disappears late at night. I don't know if he's in the room or not because he's so dark.”

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