Leicester will make flying start in Premiership semi-final, vows Genge

Ellis Genge has promised his Leicester side will come flying out of the blocks in the eagerly awaited Gallagher Premiership semi-final against Northampton on Saturday, and will not fall into the same early trap that cost the Tigers against Leinster in Europe last month.

Genge, preparing to play his last home game for the club before switching to Bristol this summer, says he and the rest of the Tigers pack have sworn to make an instant impact, rather than sitting back and inviting the Saints to gather crucial momentum.

“Leinster has probably ingrained a mentality that we will never come out of the blocks cold again,” said Genge, who is looking to help steer Leicester to a first Premiership final since 2013. “We made a pact after that as forwards, that we would always come out of the blocks first. That’s what we plan to do. You can expect that from Leicester Tigers sides for years to come.”

The Tigers’ head coach, Steve Borthwick, has also been stressing that finishing first in the regular season will count for nothing if Leicester ease up now. “I think one of the lessons from the Leinster game was how clinical they were in taking their opportunities,” Borthwick said.

“We weren’t clinical enough. I think there’s a big lesson there about not giving opposition of that quality too many opportunities. I think we’ve done that a bit better since.”

Genge is also understandably keen to make his farewell home appearance as Leicester skipper a memorable one to reward the hard work of all concerned, not least Borthwick.

“Steve is absolutely incredible,” the England prop said. “He’s a well-decorated coach who probably doesn’t get the plaudits he deserved. I’m so happy he’s finally getting some recognition for being such a good