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'Even with a newborn, Joe Marler still wants to make that sacrifice because he knows how good it could be'
Ben Youngs believes Joe Marler came out of retirement because England have one of their best-ever chances to win the World Cup. Harlequins prop Marler last featured for England in June 2018, but has reversed his decision to quit Test rugby to join Eddie Jones’ 35-man World Cup training squad.
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Marler was the surprise inclusion in England’s ranks, with Danny Cipriani retained but Dan Robson and Mike Brown were omitted. Leicester scrum-half Youngs hailed close friend Marler’s return as a big boost, claiming England will be better prepared at this World Cup than in his last two tournaments, in 2011 and 2015.
“I’ve done two World Cups before, and I don’t think I’ll ever feel as well prepared for a World Cup as I will this time around; physically, in complete knowledge of how we want to play – and unity,” said Youngs.
“I’ve never felt an international side like I have under Eddie, in terms of that unity. So for me, it will be a lot different, and it is exciting. And I think that’s why someone like Joe has done a U-turn because he knows, he understands that unity that we have here.
“He understands that probably this is one of the best chances we’ll ever have of winning the World Cup. So the fact that Joe has done a U-turn is a huge compliment to the side, and also the organisation that Eddie has put in place. Even with a newborn, he still wants to make that sacrifice because he knows how good it could be.”
? @anthonywatson_, @elliotdaly, @LewisMoody7,@SGUnderhill, @Manutuilagi,@TomCurry98 and @benyoungs09 joined fans at the @canterburyNZ clubhouse in London for today's #RWC2019 kit launch ?
? https://t.co/jRsQRMEgzt pic.twitter.com/2qykXkPH29
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) July 4, 2019
England must submit their final 31-man World Cup squad on September 2, before kicking off their tournament against Tonga in Sapporo on September 22. Head coach Jones revealed England will have their final 31 sorted by August 12.
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Marler quit Test rugby to spend more time with his family but put his hand up for a return after a series of conversations with Jones. Youngs insisted the England squad will rally round if Marler struggles during England’s lengthy trip to Japan.
“I’m very good friends with Joe, so it’s great, I’m delighted for him,” said Youngs, speaking at the launch of England’s Canterbury World Cup kit. “Probably the carrot of the World Cup has probably just made him think he wants to be a part of it.
Eddie Jones names his 35 to train for the RWC https://t.co/D7fkaFya5C
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) July 4, 2019
“And he just probably missed it all, just because playing for England, it’s an unbelievable thing to do, it’s great fun, we’ve got a great team. So he’s obviously missed it and wants to be a part of it again, which I think is a credit to the environment and the team that he’s been away and he’s missed it.
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“He had wanted to spend more time with his family and I totally respect that. He’s been away for a year, so it probably will make him perhaps bring some other views or ideas that we need.
“He’ll be able to add and perhaps see things differently. But I’m just very pleased to have someone of his experience coming back. The majority of lads are married and have kids. You’re just not alone. There’s plenty of guys in the same boat. All the guys miss their families and things, so you reassure each other.
https://www.instagram.com/p/By7y4juAVAd/
“But I’m sure he wouldn’t have come back without some kind of coping mechanism to make sure he doesn’t beat himself up for being away. I’m sure he wouldn’t have made this decision lightly, without the tools to cope.
“But that’s why we’re team-mates, to create that camaraderie and community, and that definitely falls on our laps to make sure that guys are always confident to open up if they are not feeling themselves.”
– Press Association
WATCH: Part one of the two-part RugbyPass documentary on the many adventures that fans can expect to experience in Japan at this year’s World Cup
Comments on RugbyPass
A Turtle has more pace and leg drive than Owen Franks, so it’s a good thing he only had to run 90 metres for that try.
2 Go to commentsOh Tamati Tua was in the vastly over-rated Leon MacDonalds Blues system? Well, no wonder he was wasted, much like Emoni Narawa and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens under MacDonald. now look at them. Good thing Tua isn’t eligible, the Aussies latch on to any player who isn’t tied down.
2 Go to commentsMark Telea is a lot of things, but a defensive juggernaut has never been one of them. There will be far bigger tests in that regard for the youngster.
10 Go to commentsLove and respect to Fiji but not a chance outside of 7s
4 Go to commentsGood summation Ned. Agree the Canes were out-muscled for once (except at the scrum!) by a focused Brumbies outfit. Tua deserves consideration for higher honors after the way he humbled Jordie and the Canes defense. Thankfully, his lack of eligibility for Oz keeps him from Joe’s plans. While I also agree the injuries affected the Canes performance, some players seemed to lack focus and intensity for this match. Perhaps after the Blues demolished the Brumbies, they thought it was going to be easy? A good reminder that any slip up in preparation can have a big affect on the result. Brumbies deserved that win.
2 Go to commentsKarl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
1 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
1 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
5 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
45 Go to commentsDickson went to his pocket for a card, saw who it was, changed his mind and spoke at length to TMO. One angle clearly shows Care diving over a Saints player to kill the ball. 1st yellow, reason given for not Red was player was falling backwards. He was only falling backwards after contact with Lawes. Graham try should have stood. Mitchell did not have both hands on the ball, ball went forward from a Saints boot dragging over it. 2 intentional knock-on's. One of which had an overlap on the outside. If Quins are happy to win by intentional foul play, then it does not say much for them. Would appear to be a bad day for Karl Dickson, also for the RFU in appointing a Ref who spent 8 years as a player at one of the clubs.
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