In a no-holds-barred knockout to crown rugby's most feared player, former England prop Joe Marler stirred the pot, labeling Eben Etzebeth as a "fake tough guy" and elevating Bakkies Botha to the status of the ultimate rugby hardman. This controversial assessment came as Marler participated in a special segment on the Hits Different show, hosted by his ex-teammate Danny Care.
The selection process involved a heated debate over a roster of players known for their fearsome reputation on the field. Early on, Marler dismissed the inclusion of James Haskell, scoffing, "Why is he on here, you said, hardmen?" His disdain was evident as he recounted a past clash with Marcos Ayerza, who had headbutted him during a game, leading Marler to recognize Ayerza as "one of the dirtiest players going."
As the rounds progressed, Marler's choices reflected his personal experiences and the notorious reputations of the players involved. He favored his former teammate Courtney Lawes over Carl Hayman, describing Lawes as not just a fantastic scrummager but someone who brought extra physicality to the game. In a tough call between Danny Grewcock and Schalk Burger, Marler leaned towards Grewcock, swayed by Burger's menacing smile in the photo, which Marler joked made him look "a little bit more psychotic."
"Bakkies Botha talked in the third person" – Wallabies and All Blacks greats tell stories of 'dirty' Springboks legend.
Marler's ultimate reverence was reserved for Bakkies Botha, whom he described as a "world-class thug," a label that acknowledged Botha's impact and intimidation factor on the pitch. "Bakkies would strike fear into any opposition, both teams in fact," Marler stated, solidifying Botha's reputation as the most feared player. This sentiment was echoed in his final decision, as Botha triumphed over other legends in the knockout rounds, with Marler admitting, "Was I scared of Bakkies? Yeah, I was always scared of him."
The discussion wasn't just about fear. Marler reflected on the qualities that set these players apart, conceding that while some actions on the field were borderline illegal, they contributed to the aura of these rugby giants. His candid reflections painted a vivid picture of the rugged charm and daunting presence of rugby's toughest players.
In contrast, Eben Etzebeth, despite his formidable on-field persona, was dubbed a "fake tough guy" by Marler, indicating that not all fearsome reputations are created equal. This bold critique from a former front-row enforcer adds another layer to the ongoing discussions about what truly makes a rugby player 'tough.'
Joe Marler's unabashed commentary and selections in this fierce rundown not only highlight the rugged nature of rugby but also showcase the personal and sometimes controversial views that players hold about each other, adding spice to the sport's rich narrative tapestry.
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In a no-holds-barred knockout to crown rugby's most feared player, former England prop Joe Marler stirred the pot, labeling Eben Etzebeth as a "fake tough guy" and elevating Bakkies Botha to the status of the ultimate rugby hardman. This controversial assessment came as Marler participated in a special segment on the Hits Different show, hosted by his ex-teammate Danny Care.
The selection process involved a heated debate over a roster of players known for their fearsome reputation on the field. Early on, Marler dismissed the inclusion of James Haskell, scoffing, "Why is he on here, you said, hardmen?" His disdain was evident as he recounted a past clash with Marcos Ayerza, who had headbutted him during a game, leading Marler to recognize Ayerza as "one of the dirtiest players going."
As the rounds progressed, Marler's choices reflected his personal experiences and the notorious reputations of the players involved. He favored his former teammate Courtney Lawes over Carl Hayman, describing Lawes as not just a fantastic scrummager but someone who brought extra physicality to the game. In a tough call between Danny Grewcock and Schalk Burger, Marler leaned towards Grewcock, swayed by Burger's menacing smile in the photo, which Marler joked made him look "a little bit more psychotic."
"Bakkies Botha talked in the third person" – Wallabies and All Blacks greats tell stories of 'dirty' Springboks legend.
Marler's ultimate reverence was reserved for Bakkies Botha, whom he described as a "world-class thug," a label that acknowledged Botha's impact and intimidation factor on the pitch. "Bakkies would strike fear into any opposition, both teams in fact," Marler stated, solidifying Botha's reputation as the most feared player. This sentiment was echoed in his final decision, as Botha triumphed over other legends in the knockout rounds, with Marler admitting, "Was I scared of Bakkies? Yeah, I was always scared of him."
The discussion wasn't just about fear. Marler reflected on the qualities that set these players apart, conceding that while some actions on the field were borderline illegal, they contributed to the aura of these rugby giants. His candid reflections painted a vivid picture of the rugged charm and daunting presence of rugby's toughest players.
In contrast, Eben Etzebeth, despite his formidable on-field persona, was dubbed a "fake tough guy" by Marler, indicating that not all fearsome reputations are created equal. This bold critique from a former front-row enforcer adds another layer to the ongoing discussions about what truly makes a rugby player 'tough.'
Joe Marler's unabashed commentary and selections in this fierce rundown not only highlight the rugged nature of rugby but also showcase the personal and sometimes controversial views that players hold about each other, adding spice to the sport's rich narrative tapestry.