It’s not time yet to roll out the Farrell
OWEN TIPPED TO KEEP SPOT FOR ENGLAND
DYLAN HARTLEY expects Owen Farrell to be England’s World Cup captain despite the meteoric rise of rival playmaker Marcus Smith.
The clamour is growing for Smith to start at fly-half in the autumn internationals at Twickenham next month.
The Harlequin has enjoyed a sensational 2021, largely in tandem with clubmate Andre Esterhuizen, whose wrecking-ball qualities at inside-centre have given the 22-yearold space to exploit.
Manu Tuilagi offers those same forceful qualities in the England set-up and a Smith-Tuilagi-Henry Slade midfield has mouthwatering potential. But Hartley cannot see an England team heading towards the World Cup without Farrell at the helm.
“I’d love to see England give Marcus a go,” said Hartley, whose win percentage as Red Rose captain is bettered only by Martin Johnson.
“It would be really bold, a show of confidence and a show to everyone of how they want to take this team forward.
“It’s warranted. Marcus does all the silky, flash stuff that captures the Instagram reels and YouTube highlights, but his basics are really strong as well. But that doesn’t mean Owen’s not in the team. I don’t think we should doom and scaremonger around Owen’s position.
“He’s played 10 and 12 and has shown he has the ability to play front foot, attacking rugby. For me, England look at their best with two distributors.”
Hartley won two-thirds of his 97 caps alongside Farrell, who succeeded him as captain, so is qualified to judge what his ex-team-mate brings to the side.
“Owen sets an unbelievable example,” he said of a player one cap shy of his century for England and the Lions.
“He is your consummate professional in terms of how diligent he is, his training, his preparation. Owen has credit in the bank with Eddie. Just because Marcus is playing so well doesn’t mean Owen is gone. I’d like to see them play together.”
Jones names his autumn squad on Monday ahead of a run of Tests against Tonga, Australia and South Africa, which kick off on November 6.