England call up Marler's replacement

NEWS: Uncapped Northampton looseheads Emmanuel Iyogun, 23, has been called up as a replacement for the injured England prop Joe Marler.

Marler was replaced in the 17th minute of the 15-16 defeat in the opener at Forsyth Barr Stadium and the Rugby Football Union has confirmed he has been withdrawn from the squad.

Iyogun will provide support for Fin Baxter and Bevan Rodd.

Baxter made his England debut when coming on for Marler and endured a challenging Test baptism at the scrum.

The Harlequins prospect will compete with Rodd for a place in the starting front row at Eden Park on Saturday as head coach Steve Borthwick comes to terms with the loss of his senior loosehead, the only playing survivor from the last tour to New Zealand a decade ago.

Captain Jamie George, Marler’s front-row colleague, believes England will at least have earned the All Blacks’ respect.

“We’re gutted, of course we are. Not many teams come here and do that to the All Blacks. It’s a tough result to take,” George said.

Update from camp 📝

We wish @JoeMarler a speedy recovery!#NZLvENG pic.twitter.com/S6iPlUTQOl

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) July 7, 2024