PROP IDOLS

Jones hopes front rowers Sinckler and Genge can inspire a generation of underprivileged kids by being the best in the world

KYLE SINCKLER and Ellis Genge can inspire a generation of disadvantaged kids by becoming the world’s best props.

That’s the view of England head coach Eddie Jones as the front-row pair take centre stage on Saturday when Ireland visit Twickenham for a Six Nations title eliminator.

Jones bills the Irish as “favourites” as they are the “most cohesive side in the world”.

But he saw the damage France props Cyril Baille and Uini Atonio did to Andy Farrell’s team last month and is quietly confident the twin pillars of England’s pack can inflict similar discomfort.

Jones said: “Over the next two games there’s no reason Kyle can’t get even better than he has been.

“And Ellis is showing that same sort of desire for improvement.

“Imagine those two being the best One (loosehead) and Three (tighthead) in the world, the example that would show to young kids around England about the ability to make it out of nonrugby backgrounds.”

Sinckler, brought up by single mum Donna on a south London housing estate, told his inspiring story in ITV documentary Against The Odds.

Leicester captain Genge grew up on the Knowle West council estate in Bristol and admits rugby saved him from prison and throwing his life away.

Jones said: “Without being a Smart Alec, I wouldn’t have selected them if I didn’t think we were capable of helping them reach their potential.

“They’re probably 60-70 percent of where they can be. It’s our job to help them find that extra 30-40 percent.”

England’s campaign has reached a crossroads. On form both Ireland and France should be too strong for them, which would condemn them to more losses than wins for a third Six Nations in five years.

But get their set-piece firing and Jones reckons they can upset the odds and win the championship.

He said: “Three teams can win the tournament and we’re delighted to be one of those.”

The Australian points to two second-half scrum penalties, which turned the Wales game England’s way, for reason to believe.

He predicts that against Ireland “the scrum is going to give one of the sides a penalty which is going to be crucial” to the outcome.

Come on down Sinckler and Genge. Jones, who last night saw Louis Lynagh withdraw from the England squad after testing positive for Covid, is sweating on the availability of another Covid victim Alex Dombrandt but hopes to have Tom Curry and Joe Launchbury fit, said: “We’re looking forward to the challenge, we’re not intimidated by any team.

“Ireland are favourites, they’ve been in good form and are a settled team, well coached by Andy Farrell.

“The bulk of their team train together for the bulk of the year and they are flying high, They pose a great challenge, but we’ve got a great spirit in the side.”