Marler starts his fourth game of the Tour in Wellington against the reigning Super Rugby champions – his previous outing came a week ago against the Chiefs. The midweek side claimed an impressive victory that night in Hamilton but Marler was left disappointed with a first-half yellow card.
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However, the prop has put that behind him and insists the whole squad are looking for an improvement this week after defeat in the first Test on Saturday against the All Blacks. “I can only play as well as I can, do my job as well as I can for the team,” he said. “At times on Tour I have not done that but I am fully committed to doing that on Tuesday night.
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“There is no extra motivation, we are motivated to be playing the reigning Super Rugby champions, they top all the stats and have unbelievable players. “It is a hell of a game to be involved in and I am excited about it.” Marler missed out on selection for that first Test with Mako Vunipola and Jack McGrath getting the nod as the two looseheads in the matchday 23. But the Harlequins prop is not losing any sleep over that, and instead is hoping to give his all to the cause on Tuesday.
“I am not in control of that (Test selection), it is up to Gatland and that lot to pick the team,” he added. “Steve (Borthwick) for me has been very good at making sure these are the things to work on if I want to be part of the Test team. “Borthers said today, it is a lot easier to learn from a loss, there are things to pick up on. Those midweek games weren’t actually a bad thing for us to pull our fingers out. “Going 1-0 down early in the series, we are under the pump and in a position where we have to win this next game to make the Tour go the entire length, so you will see a reaction this week both in training and more importantly on the weekend.” And Marler admits the squad unity has been vital to keeping the mood high in camp over the last four weeks touring the length and breadth of New Zealand.
