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The internet is reacting to Joe Marler's 'ball and all' Alun Wyn Jones pinch

07 Mar 2020

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An incident that saw England prop Joe Marler get intimately acquainted with Alun Wyn Jones didn’t go unnoticed as England and Wales players clashed just moments into their eagerly anticipated Six Nations showdown in Twickenham.

Wales’ wing George North’s massive carry to the line six minutes into the game saw a build-up of bodies and things – somewhat inevitably – boiled over.

Marler, known for his on-field mischief, took it to the next level with an attempted bit of sleight of hand with Welsh captain Alun Wyn Jones.

https://twitter.com/nickheathsport/status/1236335562577063938

An alarmed looking Jones, himself known for bringing plenty of edge to the contest, looked to the assistant referee for help but none was coming.

It was a moment that evoked the infamous Vinny Jones ball grab on Paul Gascoigne during a Premier League match in the mid-1990s.

James Haskell noted: “I’m kind of gutted that Joe Marler only squirted me with water. You must be his favourite Alun Wyn Jones.”

https://twitter.com/AndyGoode10/status/1236335357416869888
https://twitter.com/alexpaul85/status/1236335156732014593
https://twitter.com/jameshaskell/status/1236341840749748224
https://twitter.com/delmeparfitt/status/1236335289750171654
https://twitter.com/cocker/status/1236335279784558593

Wales must beat England to stand any chance of retaining the Six Nations crown they won in 2019 under former coach Warren Gatland.

They have lost on their last four visits to Twickenham, with their previous success coming in a 28-25 victory in 2015.

– additional reporting AAP

WATCH: Jim discusses the ramifications of the Six Nations going behind a pay wall and no longer being shown on free to watch TV.

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Comments on RugbyPass

Spew_81 44 minutes ago

Broken hand or not, Richie Mo'unga is still New Zealand's best 10

I think Highlander mentioned that he picked up a high-level coaching role (Super Rugby?). He probably has far less time, and conflicts of interest.

If so good for him, but I miss his analysis.

274 Go to comments

BA 48 minutes ago

Blues make a tactical change at fullback for Crusaders showdown

Goonies?haha..I don’t know are they? Maybe but don’t think it’s a clear advantage to Saders..Hoskins regardless of bits round his game still has potential for a big play moment might be all that’s needed in what’s looking like it could be a tight match

9 Go to comments

Spew_81 49 minutes ago

Broken hand or not, Richie Mo'unga is still New Zealand's best 10

Agree. Great and underrated player,

274 Go to comments

Spew_81 53 minutes ago

Broken hand or not, Richie Mo'unga is still New Zealand's best 10

Agree, if B Barrett was given front foot ball, going forward, in his prime he was absolutely devastating. When the opportunities weren’t so forthcoming and opposition realized they just had to swamp B Barrett, his lesser ability as a genuine playmaker was exposed.

Also, in 2016 and 2017 the Springboks and Wallabies were historically weak; the Wallabies haven’t really recovered, but the Springboks have. That meant the All Blacks, and by extension B Barrett, had an armchair ride in the Rugby Championship. The confidence the B Barrett would’ve carried over from good Super Rugby form would’ve also helped.

The All Blacks are still a very good side, but after 2015 they have lacked the ability to consistently win the tight games. They have trouble unlocking the highly regimented modern defenses. The lack of a true playmaking 10 is a big part of the reason why.

274 Go to comments

The Creator 1 hour ago

Blues make a tactical change at fullback for Crusaders showdown

Loosies

9 Go to comments

The Creator 1 hour ago

Blues make a tactical change at fullback for Crusaders showdown

U said it loonies sorry.

9 Go to comments

The Creator 1 hour ago

Blues make a tactical change at fullback for Crusaders showdown

U said it. Loonies.

9 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 1 hour ago

Why Bath and Leicester represent the 'best of the best' in English rugby

Great read looking towards the final. Really enjoyed the historical lead in, Nick. Brought back lot of names I had not thought of in years. That great character Gareth Chilcott, Jeremy Guscott, as silky a player as ever played for England, Neil Back, who was “far too small to ever play for England”. And Graham Dawe, who looked like an ancient gnarled oak tree, and was a tough and hard as the wood of an oak.

Interesting coaching match up. The one year man, our very own Michael Cheika, against the three year man, Johann van Graan. Both inherited teams not in great shape. Will van Graan’s three years get up over Cheika’s one year wonder ? I shall be watching the game here on Stan,,,,,might even get up in the cold and dark night to watch live!

3 Go to comments

JR 2 hours ago

Blues make a tactical change at fullback for Crusaders showdown

Hopefully, Barrett (right-footed) and Sullivan (LF) can work well together during kicking-plays; by viewing the field as ‘left’ and ‘right’ - they could easily swap roles throughout the game to make better use of angles with their respective stronger foots.

9 Go to comments

BA 3 hours ago

The Reds' 'whimpering' exit shows Super Rugby scrums still matter

Hodgeman , Massimo,Faessler would have helped the cause I reckon not saying would have reversed the result but they would have been better 1 or 2 or 3 penalties less could have kept bit closer to to the Saders

143 Go to comments

JB 3 hours ago

Super Rugby Pacific's greatest season stained by one playoff game

What nonsense. The 6 team finals served up some great rugby. The Blues on an uptick knocked over the Chiefs. Exciting game. The Chiefs have done enough to deserve a second shot. It's anyone didn't deserve to be there it was the Reds. They had some lucky wins but the FA ratio was poor. The stumble by the Chiefs also meant the Brumbies and Canes had to fight tooth and nail. The Blues could win and if they do they will be 9 wins, so No they can't lift the trophy with fewer wins than losses. It'll be a bruising match in Christchurch.

55 Go to comments

SadersMan 3 hours ago

‘Tom Wright and Will Jordan’: Suaalii reacts to Team of the Year nod

Ridiculous.

3 Go to comments

Carlos 3 hours ago

The Reds' 'whimpering' exit shows Super Rugby scrums still matter

😳😢🤦‍♂️

143 Go to comments

Carlos 3 hours ago

The Reds' 'whimpering' exit shows Super Rugby scrums still matter

That was Ted. I don’t reject any well made wine.

143 Go to comments

Ace 3 hours ago

Rassie Erasmus wades into heated debate over Jaden Hendrikse antics

So sad …

You just don’t seem to get this “block” thing working. Not a surprise, but definitely sad.

And then completely ignoring your own two-faced, duplicitous and cowardly behaviour.

It’s no wonder that everyone on this forum regards you as a bad joke.

590 Go to comments

IkeaBoy 3 hours ago

The Reds' 'whimpering' exit shows Super Rugby scrums still matter

Wow!!!

The risks of rugby! You can injured and married!!!

Great story in fairness. Good luck to them.

143 Go to comments

fl 4 hours ago

New Bath signing Henry Arundell set to revive England career

Not sure anyone on this thread thinks this is the touring squad.

Like I said, Josh Hodge should be in the squad ahead of him, as should Jack Cotgreave. Steward and Hassell-Collins should both be in when the real squad is announced next week.

Arundell is a very good player, but there’s better options available.

4 Go to comments

ch 4 hours ago

Only two Lions make Gallagher Premiership team of the season

It is not a case of thinking he is not good enough. I just think it is a bit too early in his career to make the step up to full international level. I do rate him highly but he now also has Henry Arundel to compete with. Arundel may of course play at full back.

I very much enjoyed reading your reply. Very interesting.

14 Go to comments

NB 5 hours ago

Broken hand or not, Richie Mo'unga is still New Zealand's best 10

Fair summary S. I think Shag was able to get away with BB at 10 because the rest of the side was so strong. But the early signs were there - I recall NZ losing to Wales in Cardiff with BB having a mare [2014?] until Colin Slade came on and he went to 15.

274 Go to comments

NB 5 hours ago