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'It would have been easy to go 'oh Christ, this lot are pretty good'

By PA
South Africa are a magnificent side but would bringing them into the Six Nations be a step too far? (Pic /PA)

Joe Marler believes England’s future is in safe hands after watching Eddie Jones’ young guns show their fighting instincts to edge South Africa at Twickenham.

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A clean sweep of victories in the Autumn Nations Series was completed in dramatic circumstances as Marcus Smith landed a penalty with just over a minute left to topple the Springboks 27-26 on Saturday.

South Africa had been poised to complete a comeback win amid a dominant second-half in which only rugged home resistance kept the outcome of a compelling afternoon in doubt.

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It went some way to avenging England’s defeat in the 2019 World Cup final but just as importantly it was engineered with emerging prospects such as Smith, Freddie Steward and Jamie Blamire at the forefront.

“I was really pleased for a lot of the youngsters who dug deep and showed grit to stay in the fight rather than just giving up,” veteran prop Marler said.

“The second half went all South Africa’s way and it would have been easy to go ‘oh Christ, this lot are pretty good’.

“Instead, I looked around the group and I saw young boys just puff out their chests and said ‘let’s give this a crack, we’re still in this’.

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“There are a lot of boys there who are new to the group. There aren’t many old ones left and we’re clinging on in there.

“That blend of experienced players helping out the youngsters as opposed to them sitting in a hierarchy and being in an environment that doesn’t allow them to thrive and be themselves is long gone.

“The youngsters coming in now feel confident to express themselves in this environment. And us old boys get to come along for the ride.”

While the autumn has seen a new era develop out of the rubble of a disastrous fifth place finish in the Six Nations, it is an old hand who is shaping the march towards the 2023 World Cup on the pitch.

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Ninety caps into his England career and Courtney Lawes is in the form of his life and has emerged as the squad’s new leader having taken the captaincy against Tonga and South Africa in the absence of Owen Farrell.

The 32-year-old is a popular appointment and could continue in the role for the Six Nations opener against Scotland on February 5 as Farrell recovers from ankle surgery.

“Courtney’s a people’s captain. He plays for the boys, he talks about his love for the group and will always put his body on the line,” Marler said.

“That’s never in question, it’s the character he is, so he doesn’t actually have to say it. When he speaks everyone listens.

“He doesn’t speak often but he’s a good guy and I’ve really enjoyed playing under him in this campaign. Boys follow him.

“He’s carrying hard, he’s added that extra bit of footwork, bits in attack, and he still does what he does in defence. He’s older than me and he’s still pushing hard, so I’m thinking ‘fair play to you mate’.”

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johnz 43 minutes ago
'Let's not sugarcoat it': Former All Black's urgent call to protect eligibility rules

This is such a devisive issue in New Zealand, Razor is a brave man; people tend to take polarising stands of all or nothing positions. I suspect there's a balanced compromise, if people are able to discuss the pros and cons rationally. There are good arguments from both sides of the debate, and as with all controversial issues, the solution is rarely black and white.


But let's take the Barrett vs Mounga debate, a topic that never grows old. I think some context is in order when Barrett is proclaimed as "loyal", while it seems to be insinuated that Mo'unga is not.


A little history is needed regarding Barrett's loyalty - so far he has had 2 (or 3?) sabbaticals, which are really just overseas-based All Black's by stealth. Since he left the Hurricanes, he's 'been a bit part player at the Blues at best, while his performances at SR level have left plenty to be desired. As of last season, he quit NZ Rugby for Japan. It's concievable the rise of Mounga played a part in that decision, while Mounga's subsequent departure appears to have played a part in BB's return.


Prior to returning, BB tried to negotiate a contract to be the 1st official overseas-based player. So loyal? Maybe. Opportunistic? Probably. It's clear Barrett's first instinct was not commitment and sacrifice to the coalface of Super Rugby.


I don't recall a Mo'unga being awarded a sabatical at all, and he has been a far bigger contributor than Barrett has at Super Rugby level for quite some time. Perhaps NZR just didn't value Mo'unga enough to bend the rules the same as they have for Barrett?


NZR have always massaged the rules for Barrett and expended a lot of financial resources to keep his services. At the same time, our player depth get's stripped away, as premier SR players, such as Plumber and Burke, take off for better pay cheques elsewhere.


Personally, I wouldn't mind if the big wage bill for a few aging stars like Barrett are shared with Japan. I'm not convinced Barrett's adding much at SR level and the money could be used elsewhere. Just as long as there's no guarantee of a jersey for such marque players, I don't see a big issue.

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