Latest news with #EllisGenge
Times
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Times
Schmidt saving best tricks for Wallabies bench to scare unproven Lions
Hopes? Prayers? Joe Schmidt, the Wallabies head coach, is a strategist of the highest order. Throughout a coaching career that has scaled the heights with Leinster, Ireland and New Zealand, the Kiwi has developed a reputation for somewhat more sophisticated tactical strategies than hoping and praying. Which is just as well, because the rugby gods seem to have deserted the hosts of this British & Irish Lions tour. To date their club sides have retreated from the touring team and been banished with ease. Yet, maybe lulling the Lions into a false sense of security will end up being key to dwindling Australian hopes. The selections of Andy Farrell, Schmidt's opposite number, have been based upon pre-tour thinking, tempered by a few injuries of their own. While a clear idea of a Test team is vital on short trips where the touring part is nothing but preparation for the series, there has to be room for someone to play his way into the Test squad. Ellis Genge is a case in point. He may have propped his way past Andrew Porter in the one meaningful match to date: the defeat by Argentina in Dublin. But elsewhere Farrell has had limited evidence to go on. Joe McCarthy was magnificent on his tour debut. He sealed the other Test berth alongside Maro Itoje in the second row on the basis of a mismatch against Western Force. In contrast, Farrell stuck with Tom Curry not on the basis of tour form, but his past quality. Tadhg Furlong, the 32-year-old Irish legend, has twice started games on this tour. The most significant selection, now obvious with the benefit of hindsight, was his deployment from the bench against the Waratahs, with Saturday's other two front-row starters, Genge and Dan Sheehan. He looked as sharp as we have seen him all season. Calf and hamstring injuries have hamstrung the great man's career in recent times. He has become the cameo prop forward. But in Saturday's first Test he will be wearing No3, in the firing line, part of a Lions team intent on overpowering the perceived weak Wallabies in Brisbane. Weakened? Yes, but don't bet on them being weak. The odds are that Furlong, a man who has played the past six Lions Tests against the might of New Zealand and South Africa, won't make it past 50 minutes before being replaced by the massively improved Bath and England prop Will Stuart. On the balance of recent — albeit inadequate — evidence, there has to be a danger that the Lions will not get off to the first-half flyer they crave and expect. Australia will hope to hang on, driven by adrenaline, question marks around Furlong's readiness and first-Test nerves on the part of the Lions. If Australia manage this, there is real hope for the home fans that Schmidt can create chaos with the advent of an intriguing bench. Angus Bell has steadily been developing a reputation as one of the world's better loose-heads. Yet in recent times, including the game against Fiji a fortnight ago, he came off the bench for the last period of play. In the Lions' previous game in Brisbane, the victory over Queensland Reds two weeks ago, Stuart cut a forlorn figure, trudging off the pitch after a disappointing first 50 minutes. It could be that clever Joe has targeted the Lions in an area where many expect red dominance. Dave Porecki was expected to start at hooker. He too is injured. But are the Lions being lured into a land of excessive expectation? The replacement, Billy Pollard, is not a speedster in the Sheehan mode but he's an old-fashioned, accurate tryscorer from close range. It really wouldn't be that great a surprise to see Schmidt's first-half forwards maintain parity. The Australians' reputation for weak scrummaging may be destroyed, along with expectations of the Lions sealing the game within the first hour. The balance of the bench is fascinating. The Lions, despite the inclusion of Marcus Smith, have not opted for an overwhelmingly powerful 6-2 split with pack dynamism coming at Australia. They have instead opted for a more conservative 5-3 balance. In contrast, Australia have an ace up their green-and-gold sleeve in the electrified presence of the hometown scrum half replacement, Tate McDermott. He was the most threatening No9 around the base throughout the Super Rugby series. Against Fiji he played in overdrive. Yet two months ago I was told by an Australian colleague that the Queenslander would not start at scrum half in the Lions series. Instead, the Waratahs' Jake Gordon was tipped to wear the No9 jersey. And indeed here we are, on the verge of the first Test, with Gordon starting and McDermott, someone who can turn a game with the quickest of tap penalties, waiting to put the Wallaby foot down in the final 20 minutes. McDermott is a thrilling runner who has matured into a more rounded scrum half than the early head-down version. These days he scans for space, works for others — he is one of the liveliest customers on a mediocre Australian union scene, yet he doesn't start ahead of Gordon. Could it be that Schmidt has a plan to win the game in the final quarter of the match? Could it be that, not necessarily through any fault of his own, Farrell's plan to wallop the Wallabies from the first whistle is set to be sabotaged by starting, rather than finishing, with Furlong? All evidence suggests the Lions will blast their way through a weak looking opponent, but don't be shocked if Schmidt has a few tricks to, at the very least, scare the unproven Lions. Australia v British & Irish Lions First Test, Brisbane Saturday, 11am TV: Sky Sports Main Event
BreakingNews.ie
9 hours ago
- Sport
- BreakingNews.ie
Lions turn up the power to tackle Australia – talking points ahead of first Test
The British and Irish Lions clash with Australia on Saturday to launch their eagerly-awaited three-Test series. Here, we look at five talking points heading into the Brisbane opener. Advertisement Moment of truth Since their 28-24 defeat by Argentina in Dublin, the Lions have not been truly tested. Five victories over under-strength Super Rugby teams and a disappointing AUNZ Invitational XV have illuminated their journey across Australia, but the standard of opposition meant the result was always assured. Only in the cauldron of a Test match at Suncorp Stadium will Andy Farrell's men fully reveal themselves. After six weeks together including training camps, their quality, tactics and identity will finally emerge. Our line up for Saturday's first Test! 👊🦁 #Lions2025 — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 17, 2025 Farrell's power play Historically, Australia have been vulnerable up-front and by picking the biggest pack available to him, Farrell has signalled his intention to drive home a Lions advantage. A beefed-up Ellis Genge is part of a heavy duty front row, the hulking Joe McCarthy will act as enforcer at lock and in Tadhg Beirne and Tom Curry, the tourists have opted for their most physical flankers, even if their selection is not justified by their form on tour. It is a pack designed to submit the Wallabies. Advertisement Scotland trio ready to ignite While the Lions have the muscle to take Australia apart in the forwards, they also possess an all-Scotland midfield trio capable of lighting fireworks behind the scrum. Finn Russell during the victory over the Queensland Reds (Jason O'Brien/PA) Finn Russell, Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones are reunited with the aim of bringing the familiarity born of their tried and tested combination to the famous red jersey. Russell provides genius and maturing game management at fly-half, while his centres run hard and pick good lines. All three can be match winners on their day. Wallabies in the Lions' jaws Australia were already underdogs to win the first Test – and the series – even before tackle-busting forwards Rob Valetini and Will Skelton joined fly-half Noah Lolesio, flanker Langi Gleeson and hooker Dave Porecki on the injured list. Advertisement They still have classy operators, especially centres Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and breakdown specialist Fraser McReight, but it would be a seismic upset if a side ranked eighth in the world were to topple the combined might of four nations. Australia head coach Joe Schmidt during the captain's run at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (David Davies/PA) The Schmidt factor Possibly more than any player on field, the Lions are most concerned about the figure directing operations from the sidelines. Former Ireland coach Joe Schmidt is now in charge of the Wallabies where his proven tack record as a master tactician with a meticulous eye for detail, as well as his inside knowledge on Farrell and many of the Lions, is seen as a potential leveller. 'You know he'll give them an inner confidence so that they're up for a series win,' Farrell said of his former Ireland boss. Advertisement
The Independent
12 hours ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Lions turn up the power to tackle Australia – talking points ahead of first Test
The British and Irish Lions clash with Australia on Saturday to launch their eagerly-awaited three-Test series. Here the PA news agency looks at five talking points heading into the Brisbane opener. Moment of truth Since their 28-24 defeat by Argentina in Dublin, the Lions have not been truly tested. Five victories over under-strength Super Rugby teams and a disappointing AUNZ Invitational XV have illuminated their journey across Australia, but the standard of opposition meant the result was always assured. Only in the cauldron of a Test match at Suncorp Stadium will Andy Farrell's men fully reveal themselves. After six weeks together including training camps, their quality, tactics and identity will finally emerge. Farrell's power play Historically, Australia have been vulnerable up-front and by picking the biggest pack available to him, Farrell has signalled his intention to drive home a Lions advantage. A beefed-up Ellis Genge is part of a heavy duty front row, the hulking Joe McCarthy will act as enforcer at lock and in Tadhg Beirne and Tom Curry, the tourists have opted for their most physical flankers, even if their selection is not justified by their form on tour. It is a pack designed to submit the Wallabies. Scotland trio ready to ignite While the Lions have the muscle to take Australia apart in the forwards, they also possess an all-Scotland midfield trio capable of lighting fireworks behind the scrum. Finn Russell, Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones are reunited with the aim of bringing the familiarity born of their tried and tested combination to the famous red jersey. Russell provides genius and maturing game management at fly-half, while his centres run hard and pick good lines. All three can be match winners on their day. Wallabies in the Lions' jaws Australia were already underdogs to win the first Test – and the series – even before tackle-busting forwards Rob Valetini and Will Skelton joined fly-half Noah Lolesio, flanker Langi Gleeson and hooker Dave Porecki on the injured list. They still have classy operators, especially centres Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and breakdown specialist Fraser McReight, but it would be a seismic upset if a side ranked eighth in the world were to topple the combined might of four nations. The Schmidt factor Possibly more than any player on field, the Lions are most concerned about the figure directing operations from the sidelines. Former Ireland coach Joe Schmidt is now in charge of the Wallabies where his proven tack record as a master tactician with a meticulous eye for detail, as well as his inside knowledge on Farrell and many of the Lions, is seen as a potential leveller. 'You know he'll give them an inner confidence so that they're up for a series win,' Farrell said of his former Ireland boss.
The Guardian
21 hours ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Ellis Genge primed to summon spirit of 2022 as he runs into Australia again
You can chart Ellis Genge's Test career by his tours of Australia. In 2016 he and Kyle Sinckler were Eddie Jones's 'rough diamonds', picked to get a taste of an international tour but nowhere near Test selection. Six years on and in England's second Test against the Wallabies in Brisbane, Genge kickstarted a victory that saved Jones's job with a thunderous carry into Michael Hooper. Three years later, back in the same city, Genge makes his British & Irish Lions Test bow against Australia. After naming Genge in Saturday's side, the head coach, Andy Farrell, encouraged the 30-year-old loosehead prop to take a moment to reflect on how far he has come. It does not come easily to Genge but his growing influence on the international sides he represents is obvious. He confesses that nine years ago he and Sinckler 'tried to get out of the way as much as we could' and 'were out enjoying ourselves a bit too much'. In 2022, England had lost the series opener to the Wallabies and Genge was wound up by perceived provocation from opponent Taniela Tupou but inspired as Jones's side levelled the series in Brisbane. 'I was in a good spot. If I can get to there again, I will be over the moon,' adds Genge. 'I played quite well. We were quite fired up as a team that week. Obviously we lost the first Test. I was vice-captain on that tour and felt quite a bit of responsibility. It feels quite numbing to get to that emotional state. The comedown you have after it is quite monumental. You don't sleep a wink. Fingers crossed I get there on Saturday.' Farrell evidently believes he can. The head coach has told his players to embrace the expectation that comes with being heavy favourites and has challenged Genge to walk tall. 'Faz said in the meeting that you should have a swagger about yourself, you should be proud, you should take a second to think: 'You have done it,'' added Genge. 'That stuck with me a bit because I have rarely taken the opportunity to reflect on my career thus far. I felt that if you start doing that and looking back, you struggle to get out of second gear sometimes. I have not done it for a long time. All the messages flood in. The questions and the phone calls and you realise that it is a big deal. '[It made me] a bit uncomfortable. I don't really like the praise too much. I don't like the conversations and the texts. I think you would be naive to say you were not unbelievably proud of what you have achieved thus far. But someone said to me at the beginning of this year that there is a difference between being a Lion and being a winning Test Lion. Hopefully we can make that happen.' Genge has also been in touch with Jones recently with the former England head coach offering encouragement, particularly around his ball-carrying. It is his set-piece work that Genge believes has seen the most improvement of late, however, attributing a weight gain of 12kg to his progress. 'I texted Eddie the other day,' said Genge. 'He gave me feedback on my game straight away. He didn't even acknowledge what I said. I wouldn't have him any other way. The other boys are good carriers in their own right and I think it's probably a strength of mine, so instead of thinking about what to do with the ball I'm just taking it forward. I've done a reasonably good job of it so hopefully I can keep on doing it. Sign up to The Breakdown The latest rugby union news and analysis, plus all the week's action reviewed after newsletter promotion 'When you saw me burst on the scene at 21, I was 114-115 kilos and I could actually move quite fast. I was 126kg two days ago – so I'm heavier now and it's all downhill from here. I've gymmed a bit harder and taken my weights more seriously. I was probably one of the first crop of players who were quite explosive and athletic for a prop, but they are everywhere now, so you've almost got to double down on it. 'I've been taking my weights more seriously in the past 18 months, so I've got a bit stronger. I've definitely not got faster, I've got slower, but it's working in the set piece.'
The Guardian
a day ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Ellis Genge primed to summon spirit of 2022 as he runs into Australia again
You can chart Ellis Genge's Test career by his tours of Australia. In 2016 he and Kyle Sinckler were Eddie Jones's 'rough diamonds', picked to get a taste of an international tour but nowhere near Test selection. Six years on and in England's second Test against the Wallabies in Brisbane, Genge kickstarted a victory that saved Jones's job with a thunderous carry into Michael Hooper. Three years later, back in the same city, Genge makes his British & Irish Lions Test bow against Australia. After naming Genge in Saturday's side, the head coach, Andy Farrell, encouraged the 30-year-old loosehead prop to take a moment to reflect on how far he has come. It does not come easily to Genge but his growing influence on the international sides he represents is obvious. He confesses that nine years ago he and Sinckler 'tried to get out of the way as much as we could' and 'were out enjoying ourselves a bit too much'. In 2022, England had lost the series opener to the Wallabies and Genge was wound up by perceived provocation from opponent Taniela Tupou but inspired as Jones's side levelled the series in Brisbane. 'I was in a good spot. If I can get to there again, I will be over the moon,' adds Genge. 'I played quite well. We were quite fired up as a team that week. Obviously we lost the first Test. I was vice-captain on that tour and felt quite a bit of responsibility. It feels quite numbing to get to that emotional state. The comedown you have after it is quite monumental. You don't sleep a wink. Fingers crossed I get there on Saturday.' Farrell evidently believes he can. The head coach has told his players to embrace the expectation that comes with being heavy favourites and has challenged Genge to walk tall. 'Faz said in the meeting that you should have a swagger about yourself, you should be proud, you should take a second to think: 'You have done it,'' added Genge. 'That stuck with me a bit because I have rarely taken the opportunity to reflect on my career thus far. I felt that if you start doing that and looking back, you struggle to get out of second gear sometimes. I have not done it for a long time. All the messages flood in. The questions and the phone calls and you realise that it is a big deal. '[It made me] a bit uncomfortable. I don't really like the praise too much. I don't like the conversations and the texts. I think you would be naive to say you were not unbelievably proud of what you have achieved thus far. But someone said to me at the beginning of this year that there is a difference between being a Lion and being a winning Test Lion. Hopefully we can make that happen.' Genge has also been in touch with Jones recently with the former England head coach offering encouragement, particularly around his ball-carrying. It is his set-piece work that Genge believes has seen the most improvement of late, however, attributing a weight gain of 12kg to his progress. 'I texted Eddie the other day,' said Genge. 'He gave me feedback on my game straight away. He didn't even acknowledge what I said. I wouldn't have him any other way. The other boys are good carriers in their own right and I think it's probably a strength of mine, so instead of thinking about what to do with the ball I'm just taking it forward. I've done a reasonably good job of it so hopefully I can keep on doing it. Sign up to The Breakdown The latest rugby union news and analysis, plus all the week's action reviewed after newsletter promotion 'When you saw me burst on the scene at 21, I was 114-115 kilos and I could actually move quite fast. I was 126kg two days ago – so I'm heavier now and it's all downhill from here. I've gymmed a bit harder and taken my weights more seriously. I was probably one of the first crop of players who were quite explosive and athletic for a prop, but they are everywhere now, so you've almost got to double down on it. 'I've been taking my weights more seriously in the past 18 months, so I've got a bit stronger. I've definitely not got faster, I've got slower, but it's working in the set piece.'
