Joe Marler urges England to make amends against Springboks
England prop Joe Marler has urged the 2015 World Cup hosts to channel the frustration following their defeat by New Zealand when they face South Africa in the second of four November internationals at Twickenham on Saturday.
England prop Joe Marler has urged the 2015 World Cup hosts to channel the frustration following their defeat by New Zealand when they face South Africa in the second of four November internationals at Twickenham on Saturday.
England established a 14-11 half-time lead against world champions New Zealand but the All Blacks fought back to win 24-21 as they beat Stuart Lancaster’s side for the fifth successive match,
“Our levels of frustration are high and the game review was very honest. I can’t really use the words that I’d like to use!" Marler said.
We knew what we had to do in that second half. We spoke about it at half time. And then we came out and did the opposite
“We knew what we had to do in that second half. We spoke about it at half time. And then we came out and did the opposite. Now we expect a reaction from ourselves,” the Harlequins captain added.
“We’ll take the frustration into this weekend. From a personal point of view it’s important to use that frustration to spur you on that little bit more."
England have not beaten South Africa in 11 matches dating back to 2006, with their best performance a 14-14 draw in Port Elizabeth two years ago and they remain the only major side the Red Rose brigade haven’t defeated since Lancaster became coach..
Marler played the first of his 23 Tests against the Springboks, who suffered a shock 29-15 defeat by Ireland in their European tour opener on Saturday, and hasn’t forgotten the experience.
“The 2012 tour was a baptism of fire for some of us. Physicality is part and parcel of their culture,” Marler said.