Confronting the Springbok Scrum – Joe Marler’s Tale
As an international rugby player, you try not to feel fear. But when the scrum goes up against the mighty Springboks, that sense of trepidation is undeniable, even for the hardest of front-row forwards. England’s Joe Marler knows this feeling all too well.
Marler recounts the mental battle that engulfs him when he has to pack down against South Africa’s world-class front row. “The doubts start creeping in – these boys are the best in the world, this is going to hurt, and if it goes wrong, it’s going to go really wrong.” Yet, he acknowledges the challenge as well – “this is exactly where I want to be, and if we can get parity or even the upper hand, this could be the most beautiful thing we ever do on a rugby field.“
The Springboks’ scrum is the foundation of their rugby DNA, and Marler knows England will have to be at their absolute best to match them at Twickenham on Saturday. “Their first choice is world-class. Their second choice is world-class. Their third choice would walk into any other international team.“
Marler reflects on his own experiences, including an incident where he tried to rile up South African prop Ox Nche, only to find himself on the receiving end of a fearsome retribution. “If you’re a flat-track bully like me, you soon find out they’ll tear you a new one in the process,” he admits.
Despite the daunting prospect, Marler acknowledges a certain affinity for the Springboks’ mentality. “If England, as a nation of forwards, could tap into even a smallest amount of that aggression and fight and arrogance, I’d be in heaven.” He hopes the current England team can channel that intensity and make the Boks’ scrum a “beautiful thing” to behold.
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