Sinckler sizes up challenge of England's four-day RWC turnaround

Kyle Sinckler insists his Lions experience has prepared him for England’s four-day turnaround that launches their World Cup in Japan.

Eddie Jones’ squad play their first match against Tonga in Sapporo on September 22 before locking horns with the United States in Kobe shortly after, placing strain on their front row resources.

Alongside Dan Cole, Sinckler is one of only two tighthead props picked by England and because of Mako Vunipola’s hamstring injury, he will have to be involved in both games.

But the 26-year-old is ready to put his body on the line knowing he faced similar demands with the Lions in New Zealand in 2017.

“I’m a rugby player. I want to play rugby. I’m not very good at just sitting around. I want to keep busy,” Sinckler said. “The Lions has helped me because we had pretty short turnarounds on that tour – sometimes Wednesday to Saturday.

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“Sometimes guys had to double up and in some cases triple up. It won’t be an issue. I’ll just have to focus on my recovery and keep my head down.”

Sinckler will be playing in his first World Cup and having been a keen student of the tournament, he knows the emotions involved. “I’ve watched all of them. In 2003 we won it and 2007 we lost in the final – brutal.

“I remember we got pumped by South Africa in the first game and I thought: ‘This isn’t going to be good’ but we got to the final. I watched them at home with my mum. Anything to do with England and sport – rugby, cricket, football – I love it. 

“In 2011 it was a bit disappointing losing to France, but 2015 I watched it as well. They do have a massive impact and we realise we have a massive responsibility to deliver and to be successful.”

– Press Association

WATCH: The trailer for the new RugbyPass documentary on Tonga as they prepare for the World Cup in Japan