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'Honestly, I almost died': The stressful Super Rugby education Joe Marchant is relishing

(Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

On-loan England midfielder Joe Marchant is relishing his impending return to New Zealand-style rugby after the easing of the coronavirus restrictions in the land of the All Blacks. An all-New Zealand Super Rugby series is set to commence on June 13 featuring the five local franchises facing off against each other in a series of derby matches through to August 16.

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Having won three Test caps in 2019 under Eddie Jones, the 23-year-old was allowed to further his rugby education with a temporary switch from Harlequins to the Auckland-based Blues.

That move looked to have ended in disappointment, the Super Rugby season suspended in mid-March after just seven rounds of the fixtures in the 2020 campaign. But Marchant – who scored three tries in six outings – is now set to return to play much sooner than would be the case if he was in London on Gallagher Premiership duty with Paul Gustard’s side. 

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The Blues are back in action on June 14 in the Aotearoa 2020 with a home match in Auckland versus the Hurricanes and Marchant can’t wait to continue his appreciation of New Zealand club rugby versus the style he had encountered in the English top-flight. 

Speaking on the latest edition of the BBC’s Rugby Union Weekly podcast, Marchant explained: “Everyone just goes for it here. The play is a lot looser – even in training there are just offloads all the time.

“There is a big emphasis on keeping the ball alive. There was a ten-minute period in a pre-season game – one of my first here – when the ball was constantly in play. Honestly, I almost died. It was fun, but it was so much running.

“I reckon the defence in England is better, a lot more solid, but I think that is about the size of the blokes and the speed of the game.

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“I was hoping I was going to be able to come here and bring defence as a big part of my game, but I just can’t get set quick – I’m trying to get back onside the ball is already gone. My tackle stats have gone down a lot and I have found it a lot more difficult.”

If the schedule goes to plan, Marchant can potentially manage to squeeze in three matches for the Blues in June before his July 1 return to Harlequins. 

 

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R
RedWarrior 32 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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