Monye impressed by ‘maturing’ England prop Genge

Former England wing Ugo Monye believes Ellis Genge is “maturing as a player” as the prop continues to impress in this year’s Championship.

Genge came off the bench to score the match-winning try in England’s 13-6 victory over Scotland at BT Murrayfield last weekend.

It was the 24-year-old’s first score in the Guinness Six Nations and Monye reckons it is proof “colourful character” Genge is beginning to make the most of his explosive ball-carrying ability.

“Ellis is getting praise for some of his performances of late and rightly so,” said Monye in his column in The Guardian.

“In England’s two Six Nations matches so far he has been like a coiled spring.

“He’s someone who I think is naturally enthusiastic and energetic.

“I’ve got to know Ellis pretty well and he’s a great, colourful character.

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“He has always been incredible in the loose, but I think his scrummaging has come on leaps and bounds recently.

“I’m sure it has always been a big focus, but it has always been trumped by what he can do ball in hand. He’s maturing as a player too.

“It’s not just erratic involvements, trying to run over people.

“There are subtleties to his game now, he runs at shoulders rather than just trying to smash into defenders and we saw how shrewd he is with his try.

“Maro Itoje initially went for the pick and go. But as good a carrier as Maro is, he’s 6ft 6in and making ground in that situation was always going to be difficult.

“Ellis recognised that and understanding his ball-carrying ability because of his lower centre of gravity he seized the initiative and ended up scoring the try that won the Calcutta Cup.”

Monye has also been impressed by the way Genge who grew up on a council estate in Bristol comes across on camera.

“It is often said rugby is a game for all shapes and sizes but it must also be a game for people from all different backgrounds, all sorts of characters, warts and all,” Monye added.

“Ellis is very proud of where he comes from.

“Everyone wants to get to new territories: well, the more territories you get to the different sounds you’re going to have. And Ellis relates to people who traditionally would not be associated with rugby.

“Speak to any broadcaster and they are all desperate to capture the attention and the imagination of the 18-35 demographic. Ellis relates to that generation.”

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Source: 6 Nations