Rookie Genge homes in on first Test start
PROP Ellis Genge was back in his home city yesterday to launch his final push for a first Test start at Twickenham, having proved that he is no longer too raw or too volatile for England. The 22-year-old grew up in Bristol but moved to Leicester to complete his front-row education and enhance his international prospects. Now, after a debut off the bench against Wales last May and two outings at No 1 in Argentina five months ago, Genge is training with England and in contention to line up at loosehead against the Pumas in Saturday’s autumn opener. According to Dan Cole, his experienced fellow Tigers prop, the rookie has made giant strides towards fulfilling his vast potential. ‘When he came to Leicester he was very raw,’ said Cole, ‘but he has made massive improvements. ‘He’s always had that abrasive edge but he’s more controlled now in how he channels his physicality.’ Genge is known as a confrontational character, but Cole said: ‘He plays on the edge. He chats in scrums with the opposition and is vocal around the field. ‘That’s how he plays. You want him to be on edge but not go over it.’ With Joe Marler banned and Mako Vunipola likely to be used sparingly due to his Lions workload, Genge could be heavily involved in the England pack this month and Cole said: ‘A year ago, when he was called in against Australia, maybe he was there on potential but now he is here on merit.’ England scrum coach Neal Hatley feels Genge could be set-piece destroyer at Test level in the Andrew Sheridan mould. ‘He’s 22 so the scope for improvement is massive,’ said Hatley. ‘He’s starting to understand how important the set-piece is. He’s got a real taste for it.’