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WILL Genia, the world's No.1 halfback, has been dropped on form not for rotational reasons in the biggest selection call of Ewen McKenzie's rocky two-month ride as Wallabies coach.
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While Genia's big workload is probably a contributing factor to a minor dulling of his exceptional standards, McKenzie on Wednesday made the clear point that he was "not at the peak of his game."
McKenzie opted for feisty ACT Brumbies halfback Nic White and the spin-off that No.8 Ben Mowen will captain the Wallabies for the first time against the tricky Argentinians at Patersons Stadium in Perth on Saturday night.
"Everyone knows Will is an outstanding player but so is Nic White," McKenzie said in Perth when announcing two changes to his starting side.
"Nic has got his own brand of rugby. He's impressed me and you always need competition for places to be the elite team you want to be.
"Will is naturally disappointed (at the decision) because it is a long time since he's been in this situation. The reality is we are at the pointy end of Australian rugby.
"It's difficult to have these conversations. I've known Will a long time but he would admit he's probably not been at the peak of his game of late.
"The fact that Will has captained his country shows what high regard we hold him in. I also know how competitive he is and I've got no doubts he will train himself to a standstill to bounce back as a better player.
"We've spoken about what areas we believe he can continue to improve and evolve his game and he was receptive to going back and addressing those things."
The ramifications of Genia's demotion to the bench are massive. Out goes a 47-Test figure of composure when the Wallabies have been struggling for just that trait.
That Genia, as captain,could not execute the game plan against the Springboks in a 26-point loss last weekend must be part of McKenzie's decision although that's a harsh line in the sand when any rugby fan could name six players who had far less impact.
It unites an untried halves pairing in White and Quade Cooper against a Pumas defence known for its hustle and ability to force handling mistakes that turn into tries.
White does snipe sharply and he has a fine kicking game, not just from the ruck base but in kicking for the line from penalties. His long, raking punts can replace some of the rubbish line-kicking that the Wallabies have made do with since Kurtley Beale hacked for touch repeatedly against the British and Irish Lions.
Ben Alexander comes in at tighthead prop for Sekope Kepu for the scum battle that it always is against the Pumas.
On the bench, the clout of 125kg lock Sitaleki Timani is a shrewd addition while outside centre Tevita Kuridrani is also back in the reserves to add thrust later in the Test.
White, 23, has had three brief cameos off the bench to get a taste of Test rugby.
"It was a huge surprise when Ewen tapped me on the shoulder on Monday. It was a pretty nervous bus ride to training but it's a matter of getting on with the job I've been picked for," White enthused.
"The little taste of Test rugby I have had has just shown me that absolutely everything is a contest. You might get away with little things in Super Rugby but not at the next level."
White will literally be stepping into Genia's boots.
"Will has been very open with advice and we've spoken quite a bit. He's even given me two pairs of boots because we are the same shoe size," White smiled.
White's experiences at the Brumbies gives him a good read on Mowen's capabilities as a captain, an honour he takes on for the Wallabies in just his seventh Test.
"Ben is pretty emotional and always sets high standards. If you don't meet them he gets pretty angry," White said.
"He always wants a team to do the shitters (hard graft) early."
McKenzie said there would be tweaks to the game plan not a radical overhaul after the 38-12 crash to South Africa in Brisbane last weekend.
"Australian rugby is renowned for smart, attractive and running rugby and there is a continued determination from the coaching staff and players to play with ambition and flair. We aren't moving away from this philosophy," McKenzie said.
"Within this framework though we've worked hard during the week to provide the team with further clarity on certain areas to ensure we are making smarter decisions in different parts of the field."
WALLABIES TEAM TO PLAY ARGENTINA
1 James Slipper
2 Stephen Moore
3 Ben Alexander
4 Rob Simmons
5 Kane Douglas
6 Scott Fardy
7 Michael Hooper
8 Ben Mowen (c)
9 Nic White
10 Quade Cooper
11 Nick Cummins
12 Christian Leali'ifano
13 Adam Ashley-Cooper (vc),
14 James O'Connor
15 Israel Folau
Replacements: Saia Fainga'a, Scott Sio, Sekope Kepu, Sitaleki Timani, Ben McCalman, Will Genia, Matt Toomua, Tevita Kuridrani
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