New Zealand remains England's toughest opponent, says Genge

Posted : 01 November 2024

England prop Ellis Genge believes that beating New Zealand this Saturday would be a significant achievement, despite the All Blacks' recent challenges. Historically, New Zealand has been a powerhouse in rugby union, but they faced struggles this year, losing three out of six matches in the southern hemisphere's Rugby Championship. Their performance was further highlighted by a narrow loss to South Africa in the World Cup final, which has led to questions about their dominance.

As England prepares to kick off their November international series at Twickenham, they face New Zealand with a record of only eight victories in 45 encounters dating back to 1905. Achieving a win this weekend would not only mark a vital victory for England but also their first home win against the All Blacks in over a decade. The last time they faced New Zealand on their home turf, they fell short, narrowly losing 16-15 in Dunedin and 24-17 in Auckland during a tour in July.

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Genge expressed his eagerness to face New Zealand, stating, "You want to test yourself against the best, and New Zealand has always been one of the best teams in the world." Having missed the recent tour due to a calf injury, Genge is excited to rejoin the team and contribute to the match. He emphasized that while New Zealand is known for their fluid play, they also excel in set pieces, scrums, and mauls, which adds a physical aspect to the game that he looks forward to.

In the lead-up to the match, England prop Joe Marler stirred controversy with his comments regarding New Zealand's traditional haka, suggesting it should be abandoned. Although Marler will not be playing on Saturday, he later apologized for his remarks, which England captain Jamie George suggested may have provoked New Zealand. This has set the stage for how England will react to the haka during the match.

Genge indicated that the team would discuss their approach to the haka in a meeting before the game, emphasizing a respectful attitude towards the tradition. He stated, "We’re not going to start climbing on each other’s shoulders, but we’ll sit there respectfully and watch it." Genge acknowledged the significance of the haka in rugby culture, noting that even those outside the sport recognize its importance.

Having only faced the haka once before in 2022, Genge understands its significance in rugby history. He appreciates the challenge it presents, expressing his admiration for the ritual rather than a desire to eliminate it. Genge believes that respect should be maintained during the haka, allowing teams to respond appropriately while honoring the tradition.

As the match approaches, the focus will be on how England channels their energy against a historically formidable opponent. With Genge's insights into both the physical and cultural aspects of the game, England is gearing up for a potentially landmark encounter that could shift the dynamics of their longstanding rivalry with New Zealand.

New Zealand remains England's toughest opponent, says Genge

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