STATEMENT: Joe Marler sent home from New Zealand, replacement confirmed

Rugby News
Sunday, 07 July 2024 at 10:20
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England vice-captain Joe Marler is sidelined for the second Test against New Zealand in Auckland due to a foot injury.
The seasoned prop, with 95 caps, exited early during the 16-15 loss to the All Blacks in Dunedin.
Uncapped Emmanuel Iyogun from Northampton has been called up as his replacement and is set to arrive in New Zealand on Tuesday.
England will take on the All Blacks at Eden Park on Saturday (08:05 BST), aiming to level the two-match series.
“He doesn’t tend to come off unless something has happened,” England head coach Steve Borthwick said on Sunday.
“Fingers crossed it’s not too serious.”

“Inexcusable” – Four England players who flopped and who should replace them for second test

New Zealand narrowly defeated England 16-15 in a thrilling opening Test in Dunedin, marking a victorious start for new head coach Scott Robertson.
Below, we look at what changes Steve Borthwick could make for next weekend's clash with the All Blacks at Eden Park.

#1. Marcus Smith

Rugby Pass 5/10: "Inexcusable miss in front of the posts early in the second half, but bounced back immediately with some passes timed to absolute perfection as England scored their second. After being penned back in the first half due to New Zealand’s territorial supremacy, he was able to express himself much more after the break as England gained more control. Unfortunately, two kicks from five are the statistics that can define Test matches though, and that might well have been the case in Dunedin"
Telegraph 6/10: "Missed two sitters off the tee which England had to take. Didn’t love the grubber when England were attacking well but two slick passes before Feyi-Waboso’s score. Bottom line, the missed points were critical. "
Replacement: Fin Smith is waiting the wings, but we'd give Marcus another run out next weekend

#2. Joe Marler

Telegraph 5/10: "Early win at the scrum with a penalty but then absolutely smoked by Lomax. Forced off after 17 minutes to give his young club-mate Fin Baxter a debut."
Rugby Pass 5/10: "Scrum penalty won with five minutes on the clock in his battle with Tyrel Lomax, but found himself marching backwards a few minutes later. Left the field injured before 20 minutes had elapsed."
Replacement: Fin Baxter

#3. Tommy Freeman

Rugby Pass 5/10: "The All Blacks’ opening two tries were on his wing and though he was left severely isolated for the opening cross-field kick score, his positioning was poor for the second- although he would have expected Ben Earl to latch onto Stephen Perofeta. That can lead to players trying to force it a bit too much, which led to a knock-on. Was able to iron out many issues after the break though, and came off his wing nicely in the second 40."
Replacement: Freddie Steward would supply better safety under the high ball

#4. Ben Earl

Rugby Pass 5.5/10: "Missed a tackle anyone associated with England would have expected him to make on Perofeta in Ardie Savea’s try. One very costly error, but that’s all it takes at this level. England’s go-to man to crash into defenders in an epic battle with his counterpart Savea."
Telegraph 5/10: "Nice offload combining with Mitchell but given the slip by Perofeta and that missed tackle led to Savea’s score. Not his best though with a couple of soft mistakes."
Replacement: Go again
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