England prop Ellis Genge believes the Rugby World Cup in France is a “wide open” match.
Only 4 international locations – New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and England – have received the competitors throughout its 9 earlier stagings.
But if the present world rankings show an correct information, then a brand new identify could possibly be engraved on the trophy this time round with Ireland presently topping that record 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 stated.
“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’ve 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 discover themselves within the draw’s high half, England’s preliminary testing hurdles seem like pool rivals Argentina – they meet in Marseille on September 9 – and potential quarter-final opponents Australia, Wales or Fiji in the event that they attain the last-eight.
Genge is about to win his fiftieth cap in some unspecified time in the future throughout England’s World Cup warm-up schedule.
Since the final match in Japan 4 years in the past, when Genge made two appearances as a substitute, he has captained his nation and established himself as England’s first-choice loosehead prop.
He can also be amongst two World Cup vice-captains named by head coach Steve Borthwick, becoming a member of Courtney Lawes in understudying World Cup skipper Owen Farrell.
Asked how a lot he feels he has grown as a participant for the reason that final World Cup, Genge added: “I wouldn’t even pin it on rising as a participant, to be trustworthy. It’s extra rising as an individual.
“I’ve had two youngsters in that house of time. I’ve had some issues go on with my household, so I moved again residence (to Bristol).
Switching off could be very simple whenever you’ve bought two younger youngsters and a canine – a really massive canine at that!
Ellis Genge
“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.
“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’ve 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.”
* Ellis Genge is a Dove Men+Care ambassador. For extra rugby and tales of private development and selfcare, comply with @DoveMenUK Twitter or @DoveMenCare Instagram