Ellis Genge: Beating the All Blacks Remains a Landmark Achievement for England
England prop Ellis Genge is unwavering in his belief that defeating New Zealand’s All Blacks remains a significant milestone, even amid the team’s recent struggles. Although the All Blacks faced a challenging season, losing three of their six Rugby Championship games and narrowly missing the 2023 World Cup title to South Africa, Genge insists that a win over New Zealand would still be monumental. Historically, England has managed only eight wins in 45 games against the All Blacks, a testament to New Zealand’s longstanding dominance in rugby. This Saturday’s match at Twickenham offers England a chance to make history with their first home victory over the All Blacks in 12 years.
For Genge, the allure of facing New Zealand is about challenging himself against one of rugby’s all-time great teams. The 29-year-old prop, returning from a calf injury that sidelined him from England’s recent tour, emphasized that New Zealand’s reputation as a high-caliber team remains intact. “You want to test yourself against the best, and New Zealand have always been one of the best teams in the world,” he said, excited to take on the physical “battle of attrition” central to New Zealand’s strategy.
However, the build-up to the game has been clouded by remarks from Genge’s teammate, Joe Marler, who called on the All Blacks to forgo the haka, their traditional pre-match Maori war dance. Although Marler apologized, the comment stirred responses from both sides. England’s captain Jamie George noted it might have "prodded the bear," while New Zealand’s captain, Scott Barrett, suggested Marler had "loaded the gun" with his remark. Barrett, joined by brothers Beauden and Jordie in the starting lineup, reiterated the haka’s cultural significance and dismissed the idea that New Zealand would abandon it.
Looking ahead to Saturday’s clash, Barrett emphasized that New Zealand doesn't need added motivation. He acknowledged England’s intense desire to secure a win after their narrow defeats to the All Blacks in Dunedin and Auckland. Recognizing England's potential, Barrett pointed out the challenge presented by key players such as George Martin, Jamie George, and Maro Itoje, warning that a powerful English performance could allow their backs, including Marcus Smith, to gain momentum and control.
Despite their recent form, Barrett expressed confidence in the All Blacks’ resilience and growth. Reflecting on the lessons from the Rugby Championship, he noted the upcoming three-match series against England, France, and Ireland as a valuable opportunity to test New Zealand’s standing against the best of the northern hemisphere. As Saturday’s match nears, the anticipation on both sides underscores the enduring prestige of facing New Zealand, making victory for England a potential landmark achievement.
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