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'Didn’t even mention New Zealand, it shows where people’s heads are'
By PA
England prop Ellis Genge believes the Rugby World Cup in France is a wide-open tournament. Only four countries – New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and England – have won the competition across its nine previous stagings.
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But if the current world rankings prove an accurate guide, then a new name could be engraved on the trophy this time around with Ireland currently topping that list and France holding third place.
“Someone spoke to me recently and said about Ireland, South Africa and Eddie (Jones) going back to Australia,” England prop Genge said. “They didn’t even mention New Zealand, so it shows where people’s heads are at. New Zealand are still one of the best teams in the world.
“You have seen the upsets we have had in recent years, and I think it is wide open. I think any good team is very, very good at what they do. There is no magic potion.
“You have to be very good at what you set out to do, and that is what all the best teams in history have done. I think the key factor is finding your identity and being really good at that. It is about hanging your hat on something.”
While Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa and Scotland all find themselves in the draw’s top half, England’s initial testing hurdles appear to be pool rivals Argentina – they meet in Marseille on September 9 – and potential quarter-final opponents Australia, Wales or Fiji if they reach the last-eight.
Genge is set to win his 50th cap at some point during England’s World Cup warm-up schedule. Since the last tournament in Japan four years ago, when Genge made two appearances as a replacement, he has captained his country and established himself as England’s first-choice loosehead prop.
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He is also among two World Cup vice-captains named by head coach Steve Borthwick, joining Courtney Lawes in understudying World Cup skipper Owen Farrell.
Asked how much he feels he has grown as a player since the last World Cup, Genge added: “I wouldn’t even pin it on growing as a player, to be honest.
“It’s more growing as a person. I have had two kids in that space of time. I’ve had some things go on with my family, so I moved back home (to Bristol).
“I am probably in a lot better spot psychologically, as opposed to looking at my performances on the pitch, which have obviously been bolstered by what has happened off it. They definitely coincide.
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“It’s about that mentality of switching off, which I am quite good at, and then turning it back on when it counts.
“Switching off is very easy when you have got two young kids and a dog – a very big dog at that! That has really helped me as a person and the gym [Genge’s fitness business] is another avenue to take my mind off the game.
“Going into this World Cup, I am more of a senior player and I can’t wait to get involved. I really want to get going now.”
really not a good look for a mediocre England prop to be trying to wind up an ABs side that looks on the up. Not that any of this matters, Genge will be lucky to get one up on Wales in Tickenham tomorrow... God help him if he has to play the ABs in the world cup but the likelihood of that is looking slimmer and slimmer by the minute.
Don't think he said anything wrong here nor disrespectful. Some proper fragile people that comment on these forums. He still rates the ABs very very highly. Everyone does
England will never win a high profile game while they box kick 75% of game. Eddie now Borthwick. Nothing learned.
"Someone", "They". Straw men. AB's are the bookmakers' 2nd favourite only slightly behind the hosts France. Genge talking nonsense as usual, but I'm sure the comments section will take the bait.
Write the Abs off at your own peril!
My point exactly , playing the game in the media before it starts.
Has nine world cups taught you nothing
I repeat go talk with Simon Middleton he too found out the hard way . RED ROSES were in a better position than Ireland and France and they choked at the death.
Eddie Jones his team chocked at the death.
Who Knows my money on the Southern Hemisphere to win 9/10 in 2023.
No one mentions New Zealand because England aren’t worth talking about in the same breath. This England will be lucky to get out the groups. Despite having the easiest group. We should be talking Japan and Samoa. Those are England’s big games this tournament. All this chat from the England camp right now is embarrassing. There’s multiple articles a day. Focus on the rugby lads, there’s lots of work to be done. Do your talking after you’ve won a game.