Will Genia has shone a light on Welsh rugby's mental fragility in the latest verbal arrow ahead of the spiced-up showdown at Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

Australia have won the past eight matches between two sides, including the most recent three by two points or less, and Wales captain Sam Warburton accepts the Dragons have had a psychological block against the Wallabies.

When asked about Warburton's comment on Thursday, Genia was quick to take a line from the 12-step addiction program. "If they acknowledge it then there obviously is a problem there on their behalf," Genia said. "The first step to dealing with a problem is admitting you have one."

Genia's answer continued the tit-for-tat barbs and tough talk between the camps ahead of the final international of the year.

Wales have experienced nothing but a sinking feeling against Australia in the past eight Tests © PA Photos

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Wales coach Warren Gatland dismissed the relevance of past home losses to Australia because he had treated the matches more like "friendlies" in preparation for the Six Nations, but Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie warned the Dragons wouldn't find the going any easier on Saturday.

"I think that's a good way to explain the record," McKenzie said, noting that Wales had won only one of 22 Tests against the three Southern Hemisphere heavyweights since Gatland started coaching them in 2008.

"If you look at the record in his era ... they're zero against New Zealand and zero against South Africa. This year they've decided it's suddenly time to go out and compete ... but I don't know why they didn't since 2008. We're treating it like a grand final and we think it's important."

McKenzie then highlighted the importance of maintaining the stranglehold over Wales, who will be pool opponents at Rugby World Cup 2015.

"I guess acknowledging [the psychological issue] is part of their way to solving it," McKenzie said in agreement with Genia. "It's been like that for a little while so we'll see on the weekend."

McKenzie didn't believe bold Welsh talk of ending Australia's recent dominance was anything new, saying "I'm sure they have said it after every game".

Australia defeated Wales at the bell once again 12 months ago © PA Photos

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"We're quite happy to clearly have the psychological edge there because if they weren't worried about it they wouldn't be talking about it. If we can keep our foot on their throat there it's good for us. We're not keen to hand it over."

The Wallabies, back at No.3 in the world rankings following three successive wins, can register their first four-match streak since 2008 with victory in Cardiff. Genia stressed energy levels remained high as they looked to end 2013 with a flourish even though many members of the starting side - including the likes of forwards Stephen Moore, Ben Mowen, James Slipper and Michael Hooper have played 30-plus matches.

"To be honest it's really good," he said. "We had a gym session this morning and everyone was bouncing off the walls."

Victory is mine: Wales fans have November 29, 2008, etched in their collective brain © Getty Images

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