Ex-England prop: Eben Etzebeth is a ‘fake tough guy’
An outspoken former England international has suggested that Springbok enforcer Eben Etzebeth is more bark than bite.
During his playing days, former England prop Joe Marler was recognised as one of the most colourful and often controversial characters, and so his most recent comments about Eben Etzebeth – and Bakkies Botha – should be taken with a pinch of salt.
However, his views have sparked an understandable social media reaction after labelling Springbok centurion Eben Etzebeth a “fake tough guy,” while simultaneously branding legendary lock Bakkies Botha a “world-class thug.”
The comments were made during a ‘Most Feared’ bracket challenge on the Hits Different show, hosted by Marler’s long-time teammate and friend, Danny Care.
Eben Etzebeth Comparison
When the question came up during a segment of the show as to where Eben Etzebeth would rate on the ‘most feared’ barometer, Marler was quick to dismiss the physical threat often associated with the Springbok lock.
“He does a lot of what I used to do,” Marler said. “All fart, no poo. Fake tough guy, for me. It’s exactly what I used to do.”
Marler clarified that his assessment was based on the “theatrical” nature of modern rugby confrontations, suggesting that Etzebeth’s aggressive on-field persona is a calculated tactic rather than a genuine intent to cause physical harm considering how strictly any foul play is also officiated.
Bakkies Botha played in a different era
In contrast to his views on Etzebeth, Marler spoke with a mixture of reverence and genuine apprehension regarding 2007 World Cup winner Bakkies Botha.
Marler eventually selected Botha as the most feared player in the history of the game, but that did come with some other chirps.
“He wasn’t really a world-class rugby player; he was a world-class thug,” Marler stated. “He was a nasty piece of work… Bakkies would strike fear into any opposition, both teams in fact. That’s what he played his game on- just melting people, but not legally.
“Remember the context of all of this and what I’ve said are based on rugby experiences. None of this was personal,” he added.
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