Joe Marler’s honest response to being sin-binned during Harlequins Champions Cup clash with Castres last night was priceless.
The England prop, who clearly stamped on Rory Kockett’s hand, was probably just relieved not to see red with the Six Nations fast approaching.
Quins produced yet another late comeback as Alex Dombrandt completed his hat-trick with the clock deep in the red to decide a 10-try thriller against Castres.
French side Castres, playing for their place in the last 16, seemed set to hold out after a strong second half.
But roared on by the Stoop and with fly-half Marcus Smith off the bench, the hosts found a way once more to edge the game 36-33.
EDITORS PICKS:
- Eddie Jones confirms England captain for Six Nations opener
- Nigel Owens ranks the three worst coaches to deal with
- Another Champions Cup game has been cancelled
- Retiring Wales and Lions legend names his dream team
- The 2022 World XV has been named – and fans hate it
Barnes & Owens expose the five worst players to referee
#1. Wayne Barnes – Martin Johnson
The lock will always be remembered as the man presented with the 2003 World Cup, which England won in Sydney. As well as being an inspirational leader, the Leicester lock was also a formidable player in his own right. A rock like presence in the tight, whose rugby motto was if in doubt, go forward.
BARNES SAID: “I was always petrified of Martin Johnson because he was coming to the end of his career when I started in the Premiership.” said Barnes.
“2003 was my first [season] and obviously that was towards the end of his career and I remember I had to sin-bin him once and I actually apologised as I did it.
“I said ‘I’m very sorry I have to do this’ because he’s such a big personality. I guess he was always someone who scared me witless!”
DID YOU KNOW? he comes from a sporting family. His great-grandfather was a wrestler