‘Kick up the bum’ puts Marland Yarde back on track
Yarde, who turned 23 on Monday, was a stalwart of last summer’s tour of New Zealand, where his pace, power and finishing impressed in a losing cause.
But a difficult start at Harlequins saw him squeezed out of the England picture during the autumn, before he was dropped altogether for the Six Nations.
Anthony Watson, Jack Nowell and Jonny May were Stuart Lancaster‘s chosen wide men, but in-form Yarde is determined to achieve his World Cup dream.
He told The Rugby Paper: “Missing the Six Nations was definitely frustrating and it was hard to watch because I’d been part of the squad for a while. But, if anything, it’s providing additional motivation. It was a kick up the bum and I’ve knuckled down and worked really hard.
“I’ve been happy with how I’ve been playing for Harlequins but I can’t rest on my laurels, I want to be in that World Cup squad.
“I’m trying to finish the season as strongly as I can and I’m definitely ready for England again.”
Does Yarde feel he deserved that “kick up the bum”?
“It’s a professional sport and you must be 100 per cent week-in, week-out, because there’s always someone chasing your tail,” he said. “The England coaches gave me a few pointers about where I could get better – dealing with high balls being one – and I’ve taken that on board.
“The aerial part of the game for wingers is huge and I’ve had to make sure I’m very strong there. From turnover ball teams are a lot more dangerous, especially with broken defence, so I’ve worked very hard on that aspect.
“But I’m happy with my form since Christmas and I know if I’m playing to the best of my ability I’ll have a chance of meeting my goals.
“I’m never content to rest on my laurels, the moment you do that is when you’re going to get caught. I’ve got to make sure I’m consistently reaching out for excellence so that I become as rounded a player as possible.”
In that respect the destructive Yarde looks no further than the current doyen of New Zealand wings, Julian Savea.
Yarde, who experienced Savea’s prowess up close when the Kiwi ran in four tries during last year’s second and third Tests, said: “It’s hard to look past him. He’s obviously a top player but he’s still pretty young at 24, and he’s become someone whose game is very rounded and has done well for the All Blacks.
“It’s always good to pick things up off different players and to see how he manipulates people. It’s good to incorporate those things in your game.”
While Yarde’s first season at Quins has not gone to plan, the Londoners still have a chance of ending a disappointing campaign on a high note.
Does he regret leaving London Irish? “No, it’s a decision I had to make and although it’s been an up and down season, I’ve really enjoyed it here.
“I love the way we play. We can still be a very dangerous side and rugby director Conor O’Shea is probably the most positive person I’ve ever met.
“He always believes in the players, so we’re grateful for that backing and want to make sure we get in the top seven for a Champions Cup play-off.
“At the same time, I want to put in performances that bring out my own X-factor and give me the best chance to get back in that England team.”
NEALE HARVEY
