Joe Marler hilariously hits out at Danny Care and Marcus Smith for ‘b*******’ decision
joe Marler watches on as Marcus Smith kicks winning drop-goal v Ireland in 2024 Six Nations.
England prop Joe Marler has joked that he was unfairly denied his moment in the sun by the actions of his team-mates in the final minute.
Steve Borthwick’s men produced their best performance for over four years by claiming a thoroughly deserved victory over Ireland.
Marcus Smith kicked a drop-goal with the clock in the red as the Red Rose claimed a 23-22 victory over Andy Farrell’s side.
It was their third win in this year’s Six Nations, following on from triumphs over Italy and Wales, and hinted at a brighter future under Borthwick.
The final phase
As England pressured the Ireland line, they earned two penalty advantages and, given the situation, as well as the proximity to the posts, the drop-goal was the obvious choice.
However, there must have been some temptation to go for the try, which would have earned England a bonus-point and helped their title chances by taking them slightly closer to the Irish.
Marler put that final act on X, formerly Twitter, showing that he was right next to Danny Care before he delivered the pass for Smith to kick the winning points.
The prop has not scored a try during his international career and thought that this might have been his moment.
“Zero points in 92 tests. It’s bollocks from you @dannycare and @MarcuSmith10,” he joked on X.
England’s replacement loosehead then suggested that he was “walking it in………” before adding the caveat, “if I managed to catch it.”
Zero points in 92 tests. It’s bollocks from you @dannycare and @MarcuSmith10 – I was walking it in……… if I managed to catch it 😬 pic.twitter.com/ZDQgsA7GTK
— Joe Marler (@JoeMarler) March 10, 2024
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Kicking the drop-goal
There was plenty of sympathy online for Marler after he was “robbed” of his chance of history.
One person wrote that he should have been in Smith’s position, stating: “You should of been the one kicking the drop goal tbh.”
A fan also wrote that he “drew the defence like a magician!” while another added that it was “good decoy running.”
Perhaps Marler could get his magic moment next weekend when England finish off their campaign against France.
He will likely be involved in the 23-man squad and Borthwick is looking to end their Six Nations on a high.
“I’m really pleased for the players. They’ve worked exceptionally hard and we’ve been progressing each week. But the players to have the tangible reward of the victory against such a good team, that’s important. And it’s also really important for the supporters,” the head coach said.
“I thought Twickenham was magnificent. The supporters left with a smile on their face as well.
“For us, we concentrate very much on our preparation [not outside doubters]. We know we have a long way to go, but it’s another step in the right direction. It’s an important step in the evolution of the team, but we need to take another step next week.”
