Tri-Nations
Genia eyes Tri-Nations opener
Scrum.com
July 2, 2010
Australia's Will Genia pictured druing a training session, Australia training session, Coogee Oval, Sydney, Australia, June 17, 2010
Will Genia is eyeing the opening game of the Tri-Nations © Getty Images
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Will Genia is set to provide the Wallabies with a major boost prior to their opening Tri-Nations game against South Africa, declaring that he is close to a return.

The Reds scrum-half broke his thumb during a disappointing defeat to England in Sydney two weeks ago, putting his Tri-Nations bid in doubt.

Luke Burgess ably deputised in last weekend's victory over Ireland but with the arrival of the Springboks to Brisbane on July 24 looming on the horizon, Genia has provided coach Robbie Deans with further reason to hope.

"That first game is definitely an achievable goal," he told The Sydney Morning Herald. ''I've got a splint on but I'm able to run and pass with the splint - once the pins come out on July 12, I'll be able to get back into full training.

''If I do get picked, I've just got to go and do as much training as I can. One thing I can say is I really think that I'm as fit as I've ever been.''

The Wallabies have been unfortunate with injuries, losing front-rowers Benn Robinson, Ben Alexander and Stephen Moore, as well as lock James Horwill and No.8 Wycliff Palu for their opening Tests of the season. The Tri-Nations kicks off on July 10 with South Africa travelling to face the All Blacks in Auckland.

Meanwhile, Genia has also won his first Pilecki Medal as the player of the Reds' 2010 Super 14 season. The award was voted for by his team-mates, the No.9 finishing 32 votes clear of Quade Cooper (177), with hooker Saia Faingaa and prop Ben Daley tied on 141.

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