Ellis Genge and Kyle Sinckler’s front-row firepower can propel England to World Cup glory, according to 2003 champion Phil Vickery.
Former prop Vickery, 46, earned 73 England caps throughout a glittering career that culminated in that memorable triumph in Sydney 19 years ago.
England host Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa this November in a bumper Autumn Nations Series campaign at Twickenham ahead of next year’s World Cup in France. And Vickery believes Bristol Bears stars Genge – who joined from Leicester Tigers earlier this year – and Sinckler have formed a relationship that now eclipses anything else the world has to offer.
“I tell you now, when those two are on form, there is no better combination in the world," he said. "I hope they can start to transition that form through into the England set-up and really start to push that team because when those two are rocking it, I get so excited as a front row forward.
“Ellis Genge, particularly by the way he has played and moved last year from Leicester - a lot of questions were asked about that. But he has a lot more responsibility and he has great character.
“I love character, I’m a bit prickly myself and got that raging bull nickname, but look, yes he has a story, yes he has the name, but he does it on the field though, that’s why he has the name.
“They’re both inspiring characters too, but as a proud Englishman, I want my team to go out there and show people what they’re made of and goodness me, we have some wonderful talent.
“So go out there and show it, celebrate it, and play with a smile on your face, work hard, graft - go out and go for it because everyone is behind you!”
Vickery is also urging England’s rugby stars to seize their window of opportunity and propel themselves into the frame for selection.
The former Wasps and Gloucester star, speaking at special event alongside James Haskell and Mike Tindall at Aylesbury RFC as part of the RFU’s ‘Play Together, Stay Together’ initiative, added: “I’m looking forward to seeing international rugby played again to be honest, I’m super excited by the Premiership this year, I think we have some fantastic talent.
“Then this autumn, we’re not far away from the Rugby World Cup, I know we’re not talking about that because we have lots to go before with the Six Nations and everything, but it’s a real opportunity.
“I think if you said to me when are you most excited when in an England shirt, knowing that you are a year out and you’ve got the potential to represent your country at the Rugby World Cup would be right up there.
“There is so much talent and so much ability and I would love to see that come to fruition and to see the boys go out off back of the summer tour, where I’ve heard mixed reviews about in terms of performance.
“But they were 1-0 down in the series and came back to win it 2-1 – alright, they might not have played brilliantly, but it takes guts, desire, determination and attitude, and for me, having been in some pretty great teams, talent is one thing but if you haven’t got that desire, it is nothing.
“I’m excited to see where this England team goes and it all starts in this Autumn Nations Series.”
The RFU’s Play Together, Stay Together campaign is aimed at reminding rugby fans of all the benefits that come with playing rugby. Whether it’s the physical benefits of regaining your fitness, or the mental benefits of being surrounded by a like-minded group of people, there’s always a reason to head back to your local club.
