England in trouble yet again as another questionable tackle has been spotted
It has got to the point with England where it seems like they are going to make outrageously dangerous tackles every match, it is just a case of whether they are going to get caught for it or not.
Owen Farrell was caught and subsequently punished (eventually) as was Billy Vunipola, but it looks as though Joe Marler might have got away with one against Fiji on Saturday at Twickenham.
Within moments of coming on from the bench, Marler produced a tackle on Fiji flanker Albert Tuisue which actually forced him off the field. Since then, this tackle has found its way online, leaving fans to question whether England should have been shown their third red card in three matches.
This tackle did not look great, but it was nowhere near as bad as Farrell’s on Taine Basham or Vunipola’s on Andrew Porter. Firstly, Marler wrapped his arms in the tackle, which immediately made it safer than his teammates’ tackles. Next, he was bent at the knee and hip. Finally, Tuisue’s carrying height changed considerably just before contact after being tackled by Jack Willis.
All in all it was not the same as the other illegal tackles that were made this August by England. It might have been a penalty, even a yellow card like Pieter-Steph du Toit’s was the day before the All Blacks, but surely not a red.
The trouble is for Steve Borthwick’s side, they have now developed a reputation for being illegal tacklers, and for a good reason. As a result, they are going to be scrutinised far more than any other teams, and that is probably justified given their recent disciplinary record.
England will just be relieved that they managed to play an entire match without being carded. That is maybe the only positive they can take from their loss to Fiji.
Marler's tackle. #ENGvFIJ pic.twitter.com/6odh3Ozp0j
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) August 26, 2023
