WILL Genia has joined the Wallabies camp in Scotland but Michael Cheika has given no guarantees that he will be rushed straight back into the starting side after Nick Phipps’ fine performance last weekend.

Genia was blocked by his club Stade Francais from playing against Wales in Cardiff because the match was not inside the World Rugby Test window, but he will be available for selection for at least the next three games against Scotland, France and Ireland.

“He appeared in his little beanie last night, straight from Paris,” Cheika said.

“It probably hurt him last week, not being able to play, but that’s the way we always knew it was going to be.

Will Genia was one of Australia’s best during the Rugby Championship. Source: AFP

“He’s here now and we’ve got a few weeks together. I’m sure he’ll enjoy his time in camp.

“Nick, with the opportunity to have a bit of game time as well, has been able to start to get his game together which has been really good.

“And that’s what all the lads want, competition for spots. And Nick Frisby as well, off the bench made a nice contribution to finish.

“What I’ve noticed with this crew, and last year’s as well, the boys compete hard for spots. They cheer each other on as much as possible when they’re in the jersey. They work hard together to get their skills right, and that’s what we want - have the three of them together working against each other and then for each other in the end.”

Genia was Australia’s most potent attacking player during The Rugby Championship but Phipps’ workaholic display in Cardiff may see him retain the starting No.9 role ahead of his rival.

“(Genia) obviously had a great Rugby Championship, there’s no doubt about it, but Phipps has played well these past two games (against Wales and New Zealand).

“That’s exactly what I want to have, these issues.”

Cheika expects Scotland to be fired up for the match in front of an expected 66,000 people at Murrayfield, but played down the circumstances of Australia’s controversial World Cup quarter-final victory over them last year as motivation for the home side.

It will be hard for Michael Cheika to drop Nick Phipps after his Wales display. Source: Getty Images

Australia received a last-minute penalty, successfully kicked by Bernard Foley, to win 35-34 before referee Craig Joubert ran off the field after blowing the final whistle, infuriating Scottish fans.

“I think Scotland will be well up for the game regardless, it’s their first Test match in front of their home crowd (since the Six Nations), I don’t think last year’s game (will be a factor),” Cheika said.

“Like all these games, we come and get asked about the history and inevitably it turns out to be a unique event for itself on the day.

“That’s where we’re going to have to be excellent, on the 80 minutes on Saturday.”