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The internet is reacting to Joe Marler's 'ball and all' Alun Wyn Jones pinch
By Ian Cameron
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.
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."
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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I know JGP and Lowe never played for the All Blacks but they were both multi year super rugby players. At the time Lowe was closer to ABs but I’m sure JGP would’ve made it at some point.
Either way those examples are terrible. Born, grew up and went though a development system where they became professionals. The barrier to represent another nation should be higher. Maybe the 5 year rule stops it, let’s see.
With the stand down, wonder if you could make it tier 1 > tier 2 only for switching? I’m guessing that’s the whole intention rather then say Sotutu going to England or Hodgman going ABs > wallabies.
Go to commentsThe key is TEAM. When they support each other they look really good, as individuals not so much and the opposition can exploit that. Crusaders were certainly switched on this week but need to build on this and be consistent.
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