Run-on debutant Will Genia helped spark a young Wallabies side to a 21-6 victory over the Springboks at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night to end the side's worst losing streak in four years.

The Wallabies young guns, including Genia, 19-year-old James O'Connor and 21-year-old David Pocock, proved too energetic for the Boks, who failed to score a try despite several close calls.

The Wallabies were more dangerous offensively throughout the match and were denied three close decisions, two set up by Genia, before they finally managed to cross the line.

Genia, a 21-year-old Brisbane Boys College product, came centimetres from putting the Wallabies over for their first try in the 53rd minute when he took a quick tap 10 metres out.

However replays revealed Genia's opposite number, Fourie du Preez, ripped the ball from his hands at the last moment.

The fulltime score wasn't reflective of the running rugby witnessed by the crowd of 47,481, with scrambling defence denying both sides several try-scoring opportunities.

With an average age of 23, there was a renewed sense of urgency in the Wallabies to end a six-match Tri-Nations losing streak.

Genia gave Matt Giteau quick, crisp service - something that has been lacking in recent weeks.

He was also instrumental in directing the forwards around the field while contributing in defence, producing a bone-crunching tackle on Boks fullback Ruan Pienaar in the 24th minute.

Genia also nearly set up the first try of the match in the 16th minute when he drew two defenders and put young speedster Lachlan Turner on the outside of his opposite number Odwa Ndungane.

It was only a desperate tackle on the corner post by Bryan Habana, who had flown across from the opposite wing, that prevented the five-pointer.

Genia's display will no doubt be a relief for Australian coach Robbie Deans, who dropped halfback Luke Burgess in a shake up to the Wallaby side last week.

"It's great to see him strive," he said.

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