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English international Joe Marchant admits he was stunned by the amazing speed of Super Rugby when he is ready to return to action with the Blues.
With the domestic version of New Zealand Super Rugby about to resume under simplified blocking rules amid the coronavirus pandemic, Marchant is once again turning heads in Britain, where play is still suspended.
“Everybody goes around here, the play is a lot weaker, even in practice there are shocks all the time,” said Marchant, the Leicester Tigers’ three-test loan midfielder. BBC.
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English star Joe Marchant feels the heat of the fast game of Super Rugby with the Blues.
“There is a great emphasis on keeping the ball alive. There was a 10 minute period in a preseason game, one of the first here, when the ball was constantly in play. Honestly, I almost died. It was fun, but I was running a lot.” .
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Marchant is enjoying the style change while looking to improve himself, though he admits he’s struggling to make as much impact as he hoped in some areas.
“I think the defense in England is better, much more solid, but I think it is about the size of the players and the speed of the game,” he said.
“I was hoping I could come here and bring defense as a big part of my game, but I just can’t get ready quickly, I’m trying to get back on the court. The ball is already gone.”
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Joe Marchant at the blue break.
“My tackle stats have dropped a lot and it’s been much more difficult for me.”
Marchant is enjoying going back to training after individual work during closing. His deal ends on July 1, so he hopes to participate as much as he can, though he admits that non-stop preparation is unusual.
The 23-year-old’s deal with the Blues is blessed by England coach Eddie Jones, who has kept Marchant on his radar.
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England center Joe Marchant approaches former All Black Malakai Fekitoa in a London clash with the British barbarians.
“We only had a very brief conversation, but he was very supportive,” Marchant told the BBC.
“He thought it would be a good idea, that the experience of playing on the other side of the world and that kind of rugby would be really good.”
