WE WON’T GET FOOLED AGAIN

Farrell on guard for Welsh tricks

OWEN FARRELL insists England won’t be distracted by any dirty tricks from Wales when the Grand Slam goes on the line today.

The championship’s two remaining unbeaten sides go head to head at the Principality Stadium with England wary over Welsh mind games ahead of kick-off.

There was a tunnel stand-off four years ago when Wales hatched a plot to send England out into the Cardiff cauldron alone.

And two years ago the Red Rose team bus mysteriously went the wrong way to the stadium, cutting down warm-up time.

But England’s captain says his side will not be put off their mission.

Built

Farrell, 27, said: “If anything does get thrown at us, I’d expect or hope we would be calm enough to deal with it.

“We are looking to do the same as we have done for the past two games. Emotionally we have been spot on.

“That’s not by chance – it is because the lads have built it up in the right way and made sure they’re firing on whatever time the kick-off is. That has shown in the way we’ve started games.

“I’m sure Wales will be up for this game, we have got to make sure we are in the right place. But I think you can be too tense and it causes you to do things you don’t normally do.

“Games like this – big games – are usually about doing the simple things well, not trying to pull a rabbit out of a hat and being ready to do that for 80 minutes.” Wales are intent on ruffling Farrell’s feathers having marked down the fly-half as England’s key man.

But he will demand fire in English hearts and the coolest of heads when they enter the Dragons’ den.

Farrell does not hide from the fact he has previous when it comes to losing focus and pursuing the odd individual agenda.

He said: “You grow, you learn how to handle things better.”

But both he and England have been immaculate in this championship and arrive totally trusting in their processes.

Farrell’s message was reinforced by England coach Eddie Jones, instructing his players to assume the role of a heavyweight boxer.

He said: “Wait for the knockout opportunity, then take it.

“Don’t get involved in endless spars you can’t win.

“Play tough, think smart.”

The combined loss of forwards Mako Vunipola and Maro

Itoje is a serious blow to the visitors’ power game.

Yet Wales still need to improve significantly to beat them.