Containing the Queensland Reds' Will Genia crucial, says Brumbies halfback Nic White Nic White trains with the Brumbies. NIC White happily admits to being a pest: "There's no hiding that." In that role, the Brumbies halfback is duty-bound to search for weaknesses; whether it be for a prank on an unsuspecting teammate, a malleable referee or the upper hand on a No.9 in the heat of battle. The problem for White this week is summed up in two words: Will and Genia. "It's pretty hard to find anything Will doesn't do well," White said. When looking at the schedule early this year, White might have guessed tonight's showdown between the Reds and Brumbies would be decisive for the outcome of the Australian conference. What he probably wouldn't have guessed is the level of influence Genia would have in the game. Returning after a knee reconstruction in the off-season, there were doubts about how quickly Genia would not only return to action, but based on evidence of almost everyone on the same comeback trail, how soon he'd return to dominant form. Underlining Genia's status as a special player, it took about five minutes in his first game back last month, round five. The Wallaby No.9 had not a single indication of physical or mental scarring, and there is an indisputable link between his return and the fact the Reds have won three of four games since; all tight ones. "His first game he ran down a winger, so he didn't miss much," White said. He's set the standard now in terms of recovery, that's for sure. But I am excited about meeting him, definitely. It's a good time for the Brumbies, and a good time to challenge myself against him. Him and Quade are playing really good footy. They are setting the pace for the combinations of nine and 10, so me and Matty (Toomua) will be pretty excited to challenge ourselves. Part of Genia's brilliance comes from the fact he remains dominant despite every team doing their darndest to bury him. Every team knows to stop Genia is to go halfway to victory against Queensland, or the Wallabies for that matter. Evidence of successful strategies isn't commonplace, however. "We are not the only team to know in any team Will plays for, he's the crucial man," White said. If you slow him down, you slow them down. You have to look at teams that have done well against the Reds and try and copy them. But it's not easily done. He's very good at what he does. International teams struggle to slow him down, so we'll have our hands full. White served as Genia's deputy for three Tests against Wales last June. He spent a month in Genia's pocket, learning and watching. Asked if he spotted any chinks in the armour, White smiles. "There may be one or two," he grins.