Ben Lucas says Will Genia always puts Reds first, even with pressure coming for Test jersey

QUEENSLAND’S Mr Fixit Ben Lucas has praised Will Genia’s selflessness as he fights to retain the Test halfback spot for the series against France.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 12: Will Genia of the Queensland Reds poses for photos during the Australian Super Rugby season launch at Horizons, South Maroubra beach on February 12, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

QUEENSLAND’S Mr Fixit Ben Lucas has praised Will Genia’s selflessness as he fights to retain the Test halfback spot for the series against France.

Quade Cooper’s shoulder injury means Lucas is set to partner Genia in the halves in Friday night’s Super Rugby game against the Highlanders at Suncorp Stadium.

Genia, a former Wallabies vice-captain, is regarded as Australia’s premier halfback but his selection ahead of the Brumbies’ Nic White and Waratah Nick Phipps can no longer be taken for granted.

All three were last week named in the Wallabies squad, with the Reds’ poor form making it difficult for Genia to shine before the first Test in Brisbane on June 7.

Genia faces another tough assignment on Friday against All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith but Lucas said Reds pride, not Test selection, was driving his teammate.

“He’s one of the best halfbacks in the world,” Lucas said of Genia who will notch his 100-game milestone against the Highlanders.

“Will treats every game as an important game. Being his 100th he’ll be out there to make sure the team does well

“He’s a selfless player so team comes first with Willy, always.’’

Splitting the Genia-Cooper partnership may not be terminal for the Reds.

Lucas said he played junior representative rugby alongside Genia and they showed glimpses of cohesion after being thrown together against Melbourne Rebels.

“I played with Will all through my school career, it’s not that hard,” said Lucas who has played in bursts at flyhalf and fullback this season.

“When you lose a guy like Quadey it hurts your team but we’ve had a very good training week and we’re confident we can get the job done.

“There’ll be subtle changes but I’ll back my ability and the things I can do.’’

The Reds face a Highlanders side who pushed the in-form Crusaders to within three points last weekend in Dunedin.

Highlanders trio Aaron Smith, All Blacks outside back Ben Smith and Test centre-in-waiting Malakai Fekitoa threaten to splinter the Reds if their new backline combinations fail to knit.

Lucas’ confidence and willingness to run in this rare start at flyhalf are what the side needs to restore some pride in the Reds jersey.

“I love playing footy and anywhere I can do that is good for me,” Lucas said. “I embrace it and commit to it.

“I’ve played flyhalf my whole life so when I do go to 10 it comes naturally.’’

Originally published as Ben Lucas says Will Genia always puts Reds first, even with pressure coming for Test jersey