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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Gerard Meagher in Nice

‘Ultimately it’s about the win’: Marler defends England’s ‘ugly’ route-one style

Joe Marler England Steve Borthwick George Ford Japan World Cup Rugby
Joe Marler after England's win against Japan
Joe Marler has hit back at critics of England’s performances at the World Cup in France. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho/Shutterstock

Joe Marler has pointed to how England won “ugly” at the 2003 World Cup, in defence of the current side’s style of play amid fierce criticism despite back-to-back victories in France.

Steve Borthwick’s side clinched a bonus-point victory against Japan on Sunday to move to the verge of the quarter-finals but were booed by their own supporters for their route‑one gameplan in Nice.

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