Stephen Nell

Cape Town – The Springboks’ problem in this year’s Tri-Nations is not so much down to fatigue or Irish referees as it is a case of simply missing Fourie du Preez.

Will Genia, who has showed that he is ready to follow in the footsteps of George Gregan for the Wallabies, singled out the injured Springbok scrumhalf as his big hero and believes South Africa have lacked a dimension without him.

“Fourie controls the game and is their lynchpin. I think Morné Steyn is a better player when Fourie plays because he does not have to concern himself with anything but his own game as Fourie controls everything,” said Genia.

“I have to say that Francois Hougaard is doing really well and there appears to be life after Fourie. Only time will tell. Hougaard definitely gave the Boks the spark that they had been missing.”

Hougaard won round one against Genia in the battle of the halfbacks at Loftus Versfeld. The talented young Bok was named man of the match in South Africa’s 44-31 win over the Wallabies.

“His strength is that he gets across the field so quickly,” Genia said of Hougaard.

“He gets to the breakdowns quickly and allows the experienced players on his outside to be the play-makers. His pace means that he can run good support lines and often be the second player to be able to score tries.”

The 22-year-old is humbled by regular comparisons with Gregan, but for him Du Preez is the player by which a scrumhalf should measure himself.

“Fourie is the best scrumhalf I have ever seen play. He has everything,” said Genia.

“He can run, kicks superbly, passes well and has very good vision. What I really admire about him is his uncanny knack to always make the right decision. You seldom see him make a mistake or take the wrong option. He is definitely one of my heroes and someone I enjoy playing against.”

Genia is viewed as a potential Wallaby captain for the future and his ability to lead is probably another reason why he is likened to Gregan.

“George Gregan achieved so much because he was good for a long period. I’m only just starting out my Test career,” said Genia.

“I’m happy with my progress, but really want to start winning Tests on a regular basis now. We are struggling to achieve success as a group and would like to be more consistent and win more often.

“We’re making critical mistakes at critical periods. Sometimes we try to play too much rugby. South Africa’s balance is good because they kick the ball to the corners and shift the pressure to their opponents rather than play in their own half.”

Genia wants to continue doing the simple things well.

“The things I pride myself on are my passing, kicking and being instinctive. You must always have the confidence to have a go and never hesitate,” he said.

Genia hopes the Wallabies can seize the moment in Bloemfontein and does not want to use youth as an excuse for not performing.

“There are a lot of young guys like myself, Quade Cooper, James O’Connor and Kurtley Beale. But you can’t stay young forever,” he said.