Don't fall into Fiji trap warns Genge

ELLIS Genge has warned England not to be deceived by Fiji's smiles when the nations clash at Allianz Stadium today.

- By DUNCAN BECH

Magala after a run during the Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-final match at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille; right, Ellis Genge

The Islanders are the lowest-ranked opponents England face this autumn, but they stormed Twickenham 30-22 two years ago before taking Steve Borthwick’s men to the wire in their World Cup quarterfinal two months later.

Genge captains England for the third time and uses the example of his Bristol teammate Viliame Mata to highlight how the Fijians are transformed from joyful to ferocious when they step on to the pitch.

“I said to our forwards when we finished our mauling session on Thursday, typically at the club Fijians are the ones who are always laughing, joking,” the Bears prop said.