Rugby: Genia dropped by Wallabies

Wallabies halfback Will Genia has been dropped to the bench for Saturday night's Test against Argentina in Perth. Photo / Getty Images.

Wallabies halfback Will Genia has been dropped to the bench for Saturday night's Test against Argentina in Perth.

Genia has been replaced in the starting line-up by Nic White, with Ben Mowen to take over the captaincy after making his Test debut in June.

Quade Cooper has been retained at five-eighth, with Israel Folau again named at fullback.

Prop Ben Alexander replaces Sekope Kepu in the front row after the Wallabies were smashed in the scrum by South Africa last week.

The Wallabies are yet to win a game under new coach Ewen McKenzie, who took over from Robbie Deans following the 2-1 series loss to the British and Irish Lions.

McKenzie said it was a tough call to bench Genia but White deserved the chance.

"The fact that Will has captained his country shows what high regard we hold him in and while he is naturally disappointed 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,'' McKenzie said.

"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.

"In the end, it wasn't an easy decision because he is undoubtedly a world class player.

"However, we also feel Nic has earned an opportunity to start and will add his own uniqueness and point of difference to how we want to play this game.

"Nic has had a great season with the Brumbies and has brought his own brand of energy and hard work to the Wallaby group.''

Wallabies:

James Slipper, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander, Rob Simmons, Kane Douglas, Scott Fardy, Michael Hooper, Ben Mowen (capt), Nic White, Quade Cooper, Nick Cummins, Christian Leali'ifano, Adam Ashley-Cooper, James O'Connor, Israel Folau.

Bench: Saia Fainga'a, Scott Sio, Sekope Kepu, Sitaleki Timani, Ben McCalman, Will Genia, Matt Toomua, Tevita Kuridrani.