Three former All Blacks have spoken about their views on Joe Marler’s grab on Alun Wyn Jones genitals during Wales clash with England last Saturday.
Speaking on The Breakdown on Sky Sport NZ John Kirwan, Jeff Wilson and Kane Hames had their say on what they believe should happen when Marler finds out his fate in Dublin tomorrow.
Hames and Kirwan believe that Marler shouldn’t be punished too harshly as it was only a bit of messing between two friends.
“He needs to grab his own balls, pick them up and stick up for his mate here. Because it’s his mate that he is talking about and there is a special relationship there, I definitely think there is. Alun can stop his mate from getting banned,” Hames said on the situation.
Meanwhile, World Cup winner Kirwan agreed with Hames and admitted it was something he could see himself doing.
“When I first saw it I thought they have obviously roomed together with the Lions or something because they are mates. It’s something that I would do to a really good mate of mine. No intent, like a tap on the arse or whatever. There’s no offence me. You tell me when you haven’t seen that in the changing room? I don’t think there was any offence intended. And if we say OK he gets four weeks to twelve weeks for the law… I just thought he was taking the mickey and I didn’t see any offence,” he added.
However, Wilson was in disagreement with the duo stating that Marler’s behaviour wouldn’t be accepted anywhere else, so why should it differ on a rugby pitch.
“In any other workplace, I’m sorry but what would happen? Keep your hands to yourself. It’s a game of footy, a game of rugby,” he said.
It is interesting to see the differing views of former professionals, but the ultimate decision will be made on Thursday and there is a chance that Marler could get a ban of between 12 and 24 weeks for his actions, but we will have to wait and see what happens.
