England front-row expects 2023 Rugby World Cup to be a ‘wide open’ tournament

England front-row Ellis Genge expects this year’s Rugby World Cup in France to be a “wide open” competition in which several countries could lift the Webb Ellis trophy as champions.

Since the inaugural tournament in 1987, only four nations – New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and England – have won the competition, with the All Blacks and Springboks each winning on three occasions, the Wallabies twice and England once.

Ireland and France emerging as serious contenders

However, countries like Ireland and France head into the World Cup in first and third positions respectively on World Rugby’s current rankings and if that is an accurate guide then a new name could be engraved on the trophy at the end of the tournament.

“Someone spoke to me recently and said about Ireland, South Africa and Eddie (Jones) going back to Australia,” said Genge.

“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.”

The All Blacks, Springboks, France, Ireland and Scotland are all in the top half of the World Cup draw, while England’s main rivals are Argentina – who they face in Marseille on September 9 – and potential quarter-final opponents Australia, Wales or Fiji if they reach the knockout rounds.

Genge is on course to make his 50th Test appearance during England’s World Cup warm-up schedule.

Since the 2019 World Cup in Japan – where Genge made two appearances as a replacement – he has established himself as England’s first-choice loosehead prop and also captained his country.

The 28-year-old is also one of two World Cup vice-captains appointed by England head coach Steve Borthwick, joining Courtney Lawes in being skipper Owen Farrell‘s back-up in the leadership role.

When asked how much he feels he has grown as a player since the last World Cup, Genge said: “I wouldn’t even pin it on growing as a player, to be honest. It’s more growing as a person.

“I’ve 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.

“It’s about that mentality of switching off, which I am quite good at, and then turning it back on when it counts.

‘Easy to switch off’

“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.”

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