In the lead-up to Saturday’s crucial Rugby World Cup clash against South Africa, England prop Ellis Genge has openly acknowledged that two of his teammates, Courtney Lawes and Owen Farrell, will be perceived as ‘villains’ by fans around the world. Despite the negative noise surrounding the England camp, Genge sees this as motivation to outplay the Springboks and secure a coveted spot in the final.
Genge, who played a vital role in England’s hard-fought quarter-final victory against Fiji, understands that the odds are stacked against his team as they face the reigning champions, South Africa. He embraces the challenge of being the underdog, finding strength in the criticism and opposition coming their way.
“I find motivation in the criticism and the pressure. I thrive when our backs are against the wall and everyone is cheering for our downfall,” Genge revealed. He pointed out that experienced players like Lawes and Farrell, despite being criticized, bring immense value to the team. Their resilience and skill make them essential assets, regardless of the negativity surrounding them.
The quarter-final match against Fiji was a nail-biter, with England emerging victorious by a slim margin of six points, securing their spot in the semi-finals. On the other hand, South Africa’s journey to the semi-finals was equally tense, narrowly defeating France by just one point in what many hailed as the standout game of the tournament.
England’s head coach, Borthwick, relishes the underdog status that has been placed upon his team in recent weeks. He sees it as an opportunity for the players to prove their mettle on the grand stage. Despite the doubts and skepticism from pundits and fans alike, Borthwick believes in his players’ big-game mentality and their ability to rise to the occasion.
As they prepare to face South Africa at Stade de France, England remains focused on the task at hand. Genge and his teammates are determined to silence the critics and demonstrate their true potential. They are well aware of the challenges that lie ahead, but with their backs against the wall, they are ready to fight for victory and make their mark in the Rugby World Cup.
