"Plenty of challenges" - Joe Marler tweets rallying call to teammates ahead of World Cup opener
Rugby NewsFriday, 08 September 2023 at 10:54
Three Harlequins have been named in the England squad for Saturday's opening Rugby World Cup match against Argentina at Stade de Marseille (KO 20:00 BST)
This Autumn, Ruck’s England content will be powered by Charles Tyrwhitt, as they introduce an exclusive assortment of England Rugby apparel and accessories within the Tyrwhitt Supporter Collection. Not only do they back the team, but they also elevate your wardrobe.
Prop Joe Marler (82 caps), scrum-half Danny Care (90 caps) and fly-half Marcus Smith (24 caps) have been selected as Impact Players for the Pool D showdown with the Pumas.
Ahead of the game, Marler tweeted: "It’s been a long ol’ pre-season that’s had plenty of challenges - we’ve underperformed in the warm ups but the World Cup is finally here and I am buzzing my tits off for it! Saturday night under the lights - Bosh!
"(Jesus - I need to get to Turkey and get my lid done!"
Joe Marler ‘proud’ of unwanted England record he currently holds
Every player who pulls on the England shirt hopes to make history of some kind.
However, there's always the risk of being remembered for the wrong reasons.
With that in mind, we've compiled a list of five unwanted England records players would rather forget.
#1. Most carded player: James Haskell - 6
No England player has been carded more than the entertaining flanker, who spent an entire hour of his international career in the sin-bin.
#2. Most caps without a try: Joe Marler - 83
The loosehead may have never managed a five-pointer for England over the course of his 73 caps, but it is still within his power to change that as he could force himself back into Steve Borthwick's plans (unless he retires again).
Reacting to his record, Marler said: "Some people might call me crazy but I'm proud of it. Us props aren't meant to score tries anyway,"
Joe Marler of England celebrates after winning during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#3. First yellow card - Ben Clarke
He was the first player to be issued a yellow card in a Test match after he stamped on Ireland’s Simon Geoghegan during their Five Nations Championship clash in Dublin in 1995. However, referee Patrick Thomas merely ‘showed’ Clarke the card with no sin-bin as at the time it was used as a warning only.
#4. Most replacement appearances: Danny Care - 46
No one strives to be the second best at their chosen profession but sometimes circumstances dictate that you play a supporting role. Incredibly, Care has only started 38 of his 84 England caps.
Danny Care of England arriving before the six Nations Championship match, between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, London , UK, on the 17th March 2017. (Photo:Dean Lancaster/PPAUK)
#5. Most caps without a Lions cap: Dylan Hartley - 97
Two little words were all it took for Hartley’s Lions dreams to crumble to dust. The 11-week ban that the former England captain copped for telling referee Wayne Barnes to “f— off” in Northampton’s 2013 Premiership final loss to Leicester put the nail in his Lions coffin.
Dylan Hartley of England during the Quilter International Match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on 10th November 2018. - PHOTO: Gareth Davies/PPAUK
#5. Fastest Six Nations red card: Charlie Ewels -
Ewels was shown a red card in the second minute of March's match against Ireland at Twickenham - the earliest sending off for any team since the championship began in 1883.
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