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Sydney Morning Herald
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
Five things the Wallabies learned from the Lions' defeat in Dublin
The former rugby league star and his squad will brood on the defeat during the long flight to Perth, and will arrive desperate to consign the display to history and take out their frustrations on the Force next weekend. Top of the props The Lions were missing the majority of their Leinster contingent against Argentina, including loosehead prop Andrew Porter, who in the stand in the Aviva Stadium basking in rare Dublin sunshine. In his place, England's Ellis Genge made life brutally difficult for Puma's tighthead Joel Sclavi, winning two clear scrum penalties against the La Rochelle prop in the first half. Genge also won another set-piece penalty against his replacement, Brive's Francisco Coria. What is concerning for the Lions is that Porter is even stronger in the scrum than his English teammate. Wallabies scrum coach Mike Cron would have taken pages of notes over his morning coffee. Porter starting and Genge coming off the bench is a monstrous prospect. It is vital that Brumbies skipper Allan Alaalatoa can at least gain parity and then Taniela Tupou hold the Wallabies scrum in the final quarter against a fully firing Genge. Dealing with pressure After Santiago Cordero's spectacular try in the 58th minute, Argentina had to absorb 24 minutes of relentless Lions attacks to hold on to their four-point lead. One of Farrell's favourite players, Canberra-raised winger Mack Hansen, looked dangerous every time he touched the ball and it appeared there were more gears for the Lions to move through in attack. With three minutes left, the Lions were inches away from victory before stand-in captain Tadhg Beirne was penalised for an illegal neck-roll at the breakdown. Lions series are often won by the smallest of margins and this was a rare moment of indiscipline from a player known for his calmness under pressure. The Wallabies will look to sow doubt in the minds of their opponents at every opportunity. The battle at the breakdown The Wallabies squad is thin in parts, particularly the centres and props. But as ever, Australian rugby has an abundance of back-row talent. The Lions were missing one of the best breakaways in the world in Ireland's Josh van der Flier, but the combination of Wales' Jac Morgan and England's Ben Earl and Tom Curry was still a strong unit. It was notable that winger Rodrigo Isgro earned three turnovers at the breakdown, including one that ultimately won the game for his side. English prodigy Henry Pollock came on for 33 minutes, providing a mixed bag which included a crucial missed tackle on the outstanding Pumas playmaker Tomas Albornoz that led to Cordero's match-winning try and an abrasive performance in the loose. Wallabies breakaways Fraser McReight and Carlo Tizzano both have the potential to cause havoc to the Lions' ball at the breakdown. Familiarity will breed comfort for Lions It was not the Lions' strongest side in Dublin, with the likes of Scotland's Blair Kinghorn still playing for Toulouse. However, there were plenty of players who will be pushing for selection against the Wallabies. The Argentine defence was excellent when it came to scrambling against the Lions' attack and making crucial reads, knowing exactly when to shoot up and put pressure on the ball-carrier. In each tour game leading up to the Tests, Farrell will shuffle his deck before deciding whether to stick or twist with his combinations. One of the ultimate challenges for any Lions player is to unlearn years of programming with their club and country and quickly embrace new attacking patterns. Farrell has picked a large contingent of tried and tested Leinster players, for the very reason that they are so familiar with one another. Conversely, rested Scottish playmaker Finn Russell delights in unstructured, off-the-cuff play. This defeat Lions put the Lions under pressure before their plane had even left the tarmac, but they still have time to become a formidable side before the first Test in Brisbane in just under a month.
The Age
12 hours ago
- Sport
- The Age
Five things the Wallabies learned from the Lions' defeat in Dublin
The former rugby league star and his squad will brood on the defeat during the long flight to Perth, and will arrive desperate to consign the display to history and take out their frustrations on the Force next weekend. Top of the props The Lions were missing the majority of their Leinster contingent against Argentina, including loosehead prop Andrew Porter, who in the stand in the Aviva Stadium basking in rare Dublin sunshine. In his place, England's Ellis Genge made life brutally difficult for Puma's tighthead Joel Sclavi, winning two clear scrum penalties against the La Rochelle prop in the first half. Genge also won another set-piece penalty against his replacement, Brive's Francisco Coria. What is concerning for the Lions is that Porter is even stronger in the scrum than his English teammate. Wallabies scrum coach Mike Cron would have taken pages of notes over his morning coffee. Porter starting and Genge coming off the bench is a monstrous prospect. It is vital that Brumbies skipper Allan Alaalatoa can at least gain parity and then Taniela Tupou hold the Wallabies scrum in the final quarter against a fully firing Genge. Dealing with pressure After Santiago Cordero's spectacular try in the 58th minute, Argentina had to absorb 24 minutes of relentless Lions attacks to hold on to their four-point lead. One of Farrell's favourite players, Canberra-raised winger Mack Hansen, looked dangerous every time he touched the ball and it appeared there were more gears for the Lions to move through in attack. With three minutes left, the Lions were inches away from victory before stand-in captain Tadhg Beirne was penalised for an illegal neck-roll at the breakdown. Lions series are often won by the smallest of margins and this was a rare moment of indiscipline from a player known for his calmness under pressure. The Wallabies will look to sow doubt in the minds of their opponents at every opportunity. The battle at the breakdown The Wallabies squad is thin in parts, particularly the centres and props. But as ever, Australian rugby has an abundance of back-row talent. The Lions were missing one of the best breakaways in the world in Ireland's Josh van der Flier, but the combination of Wales' Jac Morgan and England's Ben Earl and Tom Curry was still a strong unit. It was notable that winger Rodrigo Isgro earned three turnovers at the breakdown, including one that ultimately won the game for his side. English prodigy Henry Pollock came on for 33 minutes, providing a mixed bag which included a crucial missed tackle on the outstanding Pumas playmaker Tomas Albornoz that led to Cordero's match-winning try and an abrasive performance in the loose. Wallabies breakaways Fraser McReight and Carlo Tizzano both have the potential to cause havoc to the Lions' ball at the breakdown. Familiarity will breed comfort for Lions It was not the Lions' strongest side in Dublin, with the likes of Scotland's Blair Kinghorn still playing for Toulouse. However, there were plenty of players who will be pushing for selection against the Wallabies. The Argentine defence was excellent when it came to scrambling against the Lions' attack and making crucial reads, knowing exactly when to shoot up and put pressure on the ball-carrier. In each tour game leading up to the Tests, Farrell will shuffle his deck before deciding whether to stick or twist with his combinations. One of the ultimate challenges for any Lions player is to unlearn years of programming with their club and country and quickly embrace new attacking patterns. Farrell has picked a large contingent of tried and tested Leinster players, for the very reason that they are so familiar with one another. Conversely, rested Scottish playmaker Finn Russell delights in unstructured, off-the-cuff play. This defeat Lions put the Lions under pressure before their plane had even left the tarmac, but they still have time to become a formidable side before the first Test in Brisbane in just under a month.
Daily Mirror
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Lions star credits former football hooligan with changing his life
British and Irish Lions star Ellis Genge was heading down the wrong path before former Bristol City football hooligan Lloyd Russell stepped in to mentor him Ellis Genge admitted he could've ended up in prison before rugby 'saved him'. Last week, the England prop received his first British and Irish Lions call up for this summer's tour to Australia. But Genge's life could've turned out completely differently. The 30-year-old, who hails from a council estate in Knowle, Bristol, was heading down the wrong path as a youngster before rugby offered him a lifeline. After being arrested a number of times, Bristol Bears star Genge admits he could've ended up behind bars if he didn't clean up his act and get himself on the straight and narrow. That's where Lloyd Russell comes in. The son of the Windrush generation, Russell was the first black child at his school and learned how to fight for survival. He then got involved with Bristol City FC's hooligan element and subsequently found himself in trouble with the police. However, Russell turned the negative into a positive and channelled his energy in martial arts, going on to represent England in karate before eventually taking a role mentoring troubled youths. Genge told The Daily Telegraph: 'I was being threatened with being kicked out of school and that's when he came in. He was from a similar background to most of the boys that he looked after. He came in and changed it around. 'He is around the same age as my grandad, who went to prison when I was younger. He used to say to me, 'Don't end up like that. I know where you have come from and what you have got going on, so don't end up like those people. Keep your family close'. The rest is history as Genge went on to forge a successful career in the game and become a regular for club and country before being rewarded with a well-deserved spot in Andy Farrell's 38-man Lions squad. Genge and Russell were reunited as part of the Gallagher Touchline Academy. The insurance broker, in partnership with Premiership Rugby, aim to get more children from state schools access to the game of rugby. The academy is an accessible rugby teaching programme designed to upskill 2,000 teachers by 2028. Genge said: 'I know first-hand how important a teacher can be in steering you onto the right path when you are young and impressionable. "I could so easily have fallen astray if it wasn't for the guidance and education that I received from my rugby teachers during my teenage years. "Rugby gave me a sense of purpose and I am so grateful for the opportunities it has given me. That is why I'm proud to support the Gallagher Touchline Academy.'
The Age
09-05-2025
- Sport
- The Age
British and Irish Lions 2025: England heavy squad a bad sign for Wallabies
Zander Ferguson (Scotland), Tadhg Furlong (Ireland), Will Stuart (England), Ellis Genge (England), Andrew Porter (Ireland), Pierre Schoeman (Scotland) . It's the depth here that should concern Wallabies fans. Furlong and Porter should start, with Genge and Stuart on the bench - or Farrell could even flip that around. Beware, the England pack that played against Australia last November have gone up a few gears since then, especially Genge and Stuart at scrum time. Verdict: Advantage Lions Second rowers Tadhg Beirne (Ireland), Ollie Chessum (England), Scott Cummings (Scotland), Maro Itoje (England, captain), Joe McCarthy (Ireland), James Ryan (Ireland) . Itoje has been outstanding for years, and the consensus up north is that captaincy brings out the best in him. The remainder offer a mix of power (McCarthy), lineout prowess (Ryan) and breakdown prowess (Beirne), although it would not be a surprise to see the latter played at No.6 at some point. Verdict: Advantage Lions Sione Tuipulotu was unveiled as a Lion. Credit: Getty Images Jack Conan (Ireland), Tom Curry (England), Ben Earl (England), Jac Morgan (Wales), Henry Pollock (England), Josh van der Flier (Ireland) . This is an area where the Wallabies shouldn't be beaten, given the presence of the Rob Valetini and the injury-enforced absence of Ireland No.8 Caelan Doris. Jack Conan is a capable replacement, but if you were picking holes the Lions look a bit same-same in this department with five natural open sides named. Depending on selection and fitness the Wallabies could even edge them here, although the freakish Pollock could quickly make that assessment look foolish. Verdict: Advantage Wallabies Halfbacks Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland), Alex Mitchell (Northampton), Tomos Williams (Wales) . Mitchell missed England's Tests last November, and the drop-off in England's attacking threat was substantial. He was found out a bit on defence against Ireland in the Six Nations, but his running game is elite, and he could play a big role off the bench. Gibson-Park, one of seven 'Sanzar' Lions, is among the world's best. Verdict: Advantage Lions Finn Russell (Scotland), Fin Smith (England), Marcus Smith (England) . Farrell has left the door for his son Owen to join the squad at a later date, but it look like the No.10 jersey will be a shootout between Russell and Fin Smith. The latter was exceptional against Leinster last week and was also the architect of England's win against France in the Six Nations. But Russell could be a big issue for the Wallabies if the Lions pack gets on the front foot. Verdict: Advantage Lions Midfielders Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland), Bundee Aki (Ireland), Huw Jones (Scotland), Garry Ringrose (Ireland), Elliot Daly (England) . There are a few injury clouds over Tuipulotu, who hasn't played since January, and Jones, so there could yet be a bit of movement in this area. Even if they both are fit enough to make the plane the Wallabies look capable of matching the tourists. Len Ikitau, Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii and Hunter Paisami all have quality, with Suaalii certain to feature prominently in the Lions' defensive conversations. Verdict: Draw Tommy Freeman (England), Mack Hansen (Ireland), Hugo Keenan (Ireland), Blair Kinghorn, James Lowe (Ireland), Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) . The Wallabies should breathe a sign of relief that England winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is injured, although Farrell could yet be leaving a spot open for him. He would add some electricity to the back three, although Lowe, van der Merwe and Freeman are certainly good enough to do some damage on their own. Verdict: Advantage Lions Watch all the action from the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season on Stan Sport, the only place to watch every match live and on demand.
Telegraph
05-03-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Will Carling interview: If England are serious about winning, questions should be asked
That Carling has been there himself gives him an understanding of Genge's reaction. He says he also has a bond with the many of the current players from his time working as a leadership coach with England under Eddie Jones, between 2018 to 2022. But Carling insists that Genge is wrong to dismiss out of hand the sense of frustration that England supporters and retired players have felt during this campaign. 'I am very fond and have huge respect for the England players,' Carling told Telegraph Sport. 'I had been quite reticent of going back in [as leadership coach] because I didn't think that they would be the same kind of animal, but they were and I loved it. 'As Gengey has said, a lot of ex-players criticise and you want to walk the tightrope between being supportive but also being honest. It is a very hard tightrope to walk. I understand the sensitivity of the players. But when Gengey says the ex-players are all out of touch he is wrong. He is just hurting. There are some highly intelligent ex-players who make comments and sometimes, no matter how much it hurts for some of the players, it is better to take on board what is being said. It is just hard because I think there is so much noise with social media. I want to see them win games more than anything.' Carling, who recalls stories from his era in a new podcast called Who Gives a Ruck with Jonathan Davies and Dean Richards, was not at Twickenham to see England's narrow defeat of Scotland. There were boos from the crowd at one point because of England's limited, kicking game plan. The 59-year-old says the reaction of the crowd was hard to take. 'It makes me sad actually,' he added. 'The one thing you want to do when you play in that shirt – and I know they do – is make people proud and therefore it must be hard to deal with. Fans want to be watching them play well. There is a lot of frustration in the players and fans. After that Scotland game, I don't think it was a massively happy stadium. That is the bit that you want as a player, to walk off and feel that you have delivered and people walk away and say: 'I loved it, they played well.'' 'Questions need to be asked of team's hierarchy' Carling, in an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Tuesday, suggested the lack of experience in England's coaching ticket has contributed to several players, including scrum-half Alex Mitchell, performing below their club potential. 'My frustration comes out in the resources that England have and the quality of players,' he said. 'We have had one Grand Slam since 2003 and that's my frustration with English rugby. A lot of it is not focused on players, it is focused on how it is being run and coached. I am not absolving the players of everything, but if we are serious about winning, there are a lot of questions that should be asked, that aren't. And that goes right to the top. 'France are exceptional, Ireland are incredibly strong and also South Africa, but England should be in that bracket, and I think we have players who have the talent to be performing a lot more successfully than we are. That's the general frustration of England rugby fans. I am aware there is a huge difference between club and international level, but we have players with real ability and it is not being translated into an England shirt.'
