Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
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GAA: Fermanagh bid for first Ulster Championship SEE PAGES 50 & 51 RUGBY: Ireland chase Test Series victory Down Under
OWEN FARRELL has told his slumping England team they cannot be that desperate again.
Another defeat today would add a series whitewash to the country’s worst ever Six Nations finish.
Seven straight losses would match the run by England in 2006 which cost Andy Robinson his job.
It would leave Eddie Jones, reigning World Rugby coach of the year, in the line of fire - and place a major question mark over his side’s ability to contend at next year’s World Cup.
The quest for salvation brings England to Newlands, scene of one of the most harrowing Red Rose defeats – when four-try Jonah Lomu blitzed them in the semifinals of the 1995 World Cup. And captain Farrell admits: “We can’t be too desperate – because in the last couple of games that has been our downfall.
“The losses have affected our confidence on the field, in terms of you might end up being a bit more indecisive, second guess something and not get there. That comes with losing a few in a row.
“It is about our concentration more than anything, being able to win the next moment and be clear in that. When you have more of an understanding, you have more control.”
Jones has shaken things up in his attempt to snap the streak by putting Danny Cipriani (right) behind the steering wheel 10 years after his last start. It had the immediate effect of worrying the Springboks, whose boss Rassie Erasmus confessed: “I’m nervous with him at 10 – he’s making us all nervous.
“Without doubt Danny adds a bit of unknown. Some people think he is a naughty one but he has played wonderful rugby and, wet or dry, he will definitely test our defence.”
For that to happen England must get the ball beyond the 20-minute mark. First quarter leads of 24-3 and 12-0 disappeared into thin air in the first and second Tests at altitude.
Jones (above) will not admit it but being back at sea level gives England a better chance, if the forwards can deliver sustained frontfoot possession.
Assuming too that Cipriani and Farrell – who, in many ways, come across as polar opposites – can blend and bring out the best in one another. The Springboks look a weaker team for the changes Erasmus has made, but England still have a mountain to climb – as Jones knows well.
“I woke up this morning,” he said. “Looked at Tabletop mountain and thought, ‘It’s a nice place when you’re on top – not so much when you’re looking from the bottom. So we need to get back on top.”