"Same old Quins, always cheating" - Former Premiership star reveals Harlequins sneaky tactic
Rugby NewsSaturday, 22 April 2023 at 21:05
Former Leicester Tigers stars Matt Toomua has backed up a claim Austin Healey made during commentary of their BT Sport clash against Bath.
The black, blue and whites secured their spot in the European Champions Cup rugby next season with a 45-35 victory over Quins at Twickenham.
In the first half, Tom Dunn, GJ van Velze, and Ollie Lawrence scored tries, giving Bath a 24-21 lead at halftime. Cadan Murley, Luke Wallace, and Marcus Smith responded with tries for Quins.
Lewis Gjaltema put Quins ahead before Niall Annett and Joe Cokanasiga scored back-to-back tries for Bath. Although Alex Dombrandt brought Quins to within three points, Max Ojomoh's try sealed the win for the away side.
One interesting moment was when on commentary, Healey speculated that Harlequins players had covered their legs with vaseline to slip through tackles.
Former Leicester Tigers star Toomua, replying via Twitter, wrote: 'I can confirm @IamAustinHealey that many Quins players have had loads on Vasoline on their legs when I’ve played them!! #nightmaretotackle'.
Although not necessarily cheating, this is a very sneaky tactic if it's true."
Joe Marler reveals why he didn’t like former teammate
Joe Marler, the England prop, is known for expressing his views boldly, particularly when it comes to someone he doesn't have much affinity for.
#1. Marland Yarde
The winger dramatically left Harlequins in 2017 to join Premiership rivals Sale Sharks in an unusual mid-season move.
I hadn’t spoken to the bloke in 18 months,” Marler told former internationals Andy Goode and Jim Hamilton on The Rugby Pod.
“I’d lost the plot with him a good while ago. And let him be, let him do his own thing, because I’d given up on it
“He’d made the decision that he wanted to leave…you know, all the best to him. I wish him all the best. I don’t wish nastiness upon anyone.
“He’s one of those to just leave, as he won’t change in my mind. Me and him just don’t get on.”
#2. Israel Folau
Over 1,000 days since Folau last played a professional match of rugby union, Marler's old Twitter sparring partner made his return to the sport over the weekend.
The loose-head prop takes any chance he can to call out the former Wallabies fullback, who could soon represent Tonga, for his homophobic views.
In a series of tweets sent directly to Folau, Marler attached pictures and GIFs of men kissing, in a display of defiant humour which was praised by fellow players and LGBTQ fans alike.
Marler later named Folau in his dream team in a tongue-in-cheek fashion.
On selecting Folau as his fullback, Marler commented, "On the night out, after we had played our match on the Saturday, I'd take him out in Brighton to The Blue Oyster... a couple of clubs."
#3. Sir Clive Woodward
Woodward tore apart Eddie Jones' side during a webinar, slamming Marler and fellow prop Dan Cole for their behaviour in a press conference prior to the loss against South Africa back in November.
This wasn't the first time the 2003 World Cup-winning coach called out the prop.
After reading an article on the Rugby Pass website highlighting Woodward's comments, he tweeted him directly, saying: "Change the record Sir Clive - you should be grateful you can 'milk the cow' for another 3 years."
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