27 Jul 2012

Genia praises new All Blacks halfback

6:10 am on 27 July 2012

The Australian halfback Will Genia has paid New Zealand counterpart Aaron Smith a huge compliment, declaring he has added a new dimension to the All Blacks.

The 22-year-old Highlanders star made his international debut in June, starting in all three All Blacks' wins over Ireland.

He could lineup directly against Genia in the back-to-back Tests between the Wallabies and the All Blacks in the opening two rounds of the inaugural Rugby Championship next month.

Genia, who has been named the Australian Super Rugby player of the year, says Smith has got a great pass and gives extra speed in attack and expects last year's World Cup Winners to pick up where they have left off.