While debate rages over whether Wallabies players should be rested during Super Rugby, Melbourne Rebels half-back Will Genia says he feels better than ever after his break.
The star playmaker came home from South Africa after one game, missing Melbourne's loss to the Sharks in Durban last weekend to complete a week of strength and conditioning work and also rest up.
Wallabies squad members Lock Adam Coleman, winger Marika Koroibete and forward Isi Naisarani were also rested from the Sharks game and rejoined their Rebels teammates at training on Wednesday.
After a week's rest, Will Genia is itching to get back into the thick of action for the Rebels on Saturday night. Credit:AAP
Genia was impressed with the sharpness of his teammates as they shook off any jet lag and began preparations for their clash with Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
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"It was huge for me, such a good thing to get back here, get some work done from a strength and conditioning prospective and also freshen up mentally," Genia said.
"I'm just jumping out of my skin, I can't wait to play."
Two losses in South Africa has brought the Rebels back to the field with a 3-2 [win-loss] record, so a win over the Reds is essential as they are both in the Australian conference.
The Wallabies and Australian club coaches work together on when to rest players ahead of the Rugby World Cup in Japan in September and Genia said the players generally left their coaches to decide when those rests come up.
The game will be Genia's first appearance back at his home stadium in Melbourne colours following more than 100 games and a Super Rugby championship with the Reds.
"I'm looking forward to it," Genia said.
"I played against them here in Melbourne in round one last year but missed out on the game at Suncorp Stadium last year.
"It's a place that's had really good memories for me on a personal level, but that chapter is closed and it's all about working hard this week to get a result for this club."
Fellow playmaker Quade Cooper also makes his return home to Queensland after being left out by the Reds last year which led to him moving to the Rebels.
"Quade didn't leave on bad terms with the Queensland public and the Reds fans," Genia saRead More – Source
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