Ellis Genge last night completed his journey from “mad dog” to captain of the England rugby team.
Steve Borthwick’s decision to bench skipper Owen Farrell meant promotion for Genge, who started the campaign as vice-captain. Exactly why the Bristol prop got the job quickly became clear as team mates lined up to extol his virtues.
None more graphically than Lewis Ludlam, who has played with or against Genge since the pair were 14-year olds at rival schools.
“I played against him at one tournament and he was a mad dog,” the Northampton captain recalled. “It kicked off in the game. I remember him being in it and parents screaming on the side of the pitch.
“He’s always been emotional and aggressive, but now he has control of his emotions way, way better.
“He knows when to flick it on and when to flick it off. His ability to use it in the right way is a real talent.”
Genge, 28, served notice that he was captaincy material last season when leading Leicester to Premiership glory under Borthwick.
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“He knows how to get the best out of people,” Ludlam added. “Which buttons to press. That could be five minutes before kick-off or two or three days before a game. I couldn’t be more impressed.”
France centre Jonathan Danty makes his comeback from knee injury in place of Yoram Moefana. Francois Cros replaces injured flanker Anthony Jelonch and Dorian Aldegheri comes in for banned prop Mohamed Haouas.
