Big job for Joe to stop Sharks getting a sniff
JOE Marchant returns to the city where he won an U20s World Cup with England determined to steer Harlequins to their first trophy success since 2013.
Four years ago, Marchant produced a virtuoso display, scoring two tries as a side containing fellow Harlequin Will Evans blew away Ireland 4521 at the City of Manchester stadium – a performance he would love to repeat with more precious silverware at stake.
“I’ve only played there a couple of times since then and it’s obviously a special place, so hopefully it brings back winning memories,” Marchant, 24, said.
“A couple of us played in that game so it will be good to go back and we’re all absolutely buzzing about the opportunity to win some silverware. We’ve got a really good group so we’ll give it our best shot to show what we can do and bring home the trophy.”
Described by Quins boss
Paul Gustard as the “best defensive 13 in the Premiership” after last Monday’s hard-fought league win at Gloucester, Marchant will need to show those qualities again against a Sale midfield containing Rohan Janse van Resnburg, and Manu Tuilagi off the bench.
He said: “It’s obviously nice to hear that from your boss and I’m really pleased with it, but you’ve got to keep going out there and getting involved.
“Sale have got some big boys so you’ve just got to make sure you take them low early and try to stop them getting the ball. When we played them earlier on, me and James Lang just kept flying in, trying to stop the ball getting there and did a good job.
“We managed to keep Manu quiet that day so we know that we’ve just got to go again, keep going and not give up, otherwise their midfield will get a sniff – and when they do that, guys like Manu are pretty hard people to stop.” While Marchant is sure to be tested defensively, it is in attack that he really aims to shine and, having spent the first half of the year in Super Rugby with the Auckland Blues, he hopes the increased speed of ball down south can be replicated more here.
“It would be nice to get a bit quicker ball,” he admits. “It’s a whole lot different here but with the weather drying up, we might get more running rugby. “Everyone loves that style and when I was in New Zealand the focus was on speed, just keeping the ball alive through offloads in the contact area.
“That extra half-second means you can’t quite get onside to go up again in defence and by the time you do, the play has already gone. It’s been tough coming back because the nature of the Premiership means you sometimes just don’t see the ball.
“One of the things about going to New Zealand was to look at both sides of the attack and I was hoping my tactical play would develop, focussing on when I could get my hands on the ball and get into space – it was such a good experience.”
With Gustard’s praise ringing in his ears, a matchwinning performance tomorrow would improve Marchant’s chances of an England Test call.
He added: “I’m just trying to focus on every game. With the game at Gloucester last week I didn’t really get too many chances to get my hands on the ball in attack, but when that does happen you’ve just got to try and take your opportunities.
“I’ll do all I can for Quins and if I get rewards from that, I’ll be really pleased.”