Joe Marler says England must avoid 'bitter disappointment' against Ireland
Wednesday 15 March 2017 12:40, UK
Joe Marler wants England to avoid the surreal scenario of being "bitterly disappointed" lifting the Six Nations trophy in Dublin on Saturday.
The visitors retained the championship last weekend against Scotland but celebrations have been muted this week at Pennyhill Park ahead of their meeting with Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, after which they will receive the trophy.
A second straight Grand Slam is the real prize on offer this weekend, while victory would also break New Zealand's record of 18 successive tier one Test wins.
England's World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward has suggested it would be "a failure" if Eddie Jones' side did not complete the job in Ireland.
Prop Marler told Sky Sports News HQ: "I don't think it is a failure. I think back-to-back championships is something we should be proud of achieving.
"But if we go to Ireland and we lose, it will be just that bitter disappointment of lifting a trophy having just lost a game. We don't want to be in that situation.
"I think we had a beer or a glass or wine after the Scotland game, but there was no real celebration for us. Like the boys said straight after, it's just business. This weekend is the big one for us."
Jones' mantra about improving game-by-game was echoed by Marler, who said: "It's never mentioned - a record or a Grand Slam.
"Obviously we would love to have all of that, but it's all about improving and striving to be that No 1 team in the world."
