I must play like John Afoa to keep place says Joe Marler

Joe Marler admits he still has a way to go before he can aspire to the level of consistency achieved by his prop idol, New Zealander John Afoa.
But England‘s first choice loosehead believes competition from Mako Vunipola, Alex Corbisiero and Matt Mullan will drive him to new heights.
Marler’s club coach, John Kingston, believes the England starting jersey is his to lose, describing the Quins prop as “a top draw international.”
But the 23-year-old refuses to be complacent with a tour to New Zealand in the offing and subsequent World Cup 2015 place at stake.
Marler, England’s starter during the Six Nations, told The Rugby Paper: “I enjoyed the Six Nations and thought we made great strides, especially in attack, but you’re always learning and I’ve still got a long way to go, particularly at the scrum.
“There’s also a step-up to be made around the park in what England and Quins demand of their front rowers. They want us to get round the pitch and ball-carry more and when you’ve got the likes of Mako, who’s world-class, you can’t relax.
“I’m very aware of the competition. You’ve got two British Lions in Mako and Alex who are one and two in the pecking order. Corbs missed out in the Six Nations and I got my chance over Mako, but the boys did all right without me in Italy.
“I enjoyed the Six Nations but that competition between myself, Mako, Corbs and Matt is also great news for England. It’s ultimately where you want to get to before a World Cup, where you’ve got lots of boys pushing for different positions.
“It’s really starting to happen and you look at Courtney Lawes, who came in and filled the void left by Geoff Parling’s injury, and Mike Brown, who’s our No.1 full-back ahead of Alex Goode and Ben Foden, and it’s great for the team.”
Marler missed the final Six Nations Test to be with his partner during the birth of their first child, Jasper, but will be going to New Zealand.
Afoa will not be present, having quit the All Blacks after their 2011 World Cup triumph, but Marler remains a keen admirer of the 36-times capped Ulster tighthead who next season will be plying his trade at Premiership rivals Gloucester.
“As a prop, you aspire to be someone like Afoa,” Marler said. “He’s a tight-head but as a prop he’s the sort of guy who’s got the balance right between being a very good scrummager and also being a very effective ball-carrier.
“He’s very destructive in the loose in the way he hits people, tackles and the way in which he smashes rucks. He’s definitely someone you look at and respect and, although I doubt I’ll get anywhere near him, it’s not a bad aim.”
Having just signed a new two-year contract, though he claims it was “done in September”, Marler hopes to end the season with silverware.
He said: “It’s not been the easiest season at Quins but the boys have fought hard to keep us in with a chance of the play-offs. It’s a small chance but if we can squeeze in there, we’re desperate to go out and win stuff.”
NEALE HARVEY