He’s rout of this world!
FARRELL HAILED AFTER WHITEWASH
OWEN FARRELL got his kicks on Route 66 as England made history by whitewashing Australia in Sydney.
The man with the golden boot took his tally to 66 points in three games with a haul of 24 as England completed an astonishing 3-0 rout – the first time the Aussies have been beaten so convincingly in a bestof-three series for 45 years.
Team boss Eddieddie Jones hailed Farrell’s displayplay as “out of this world” in what was England’s 10th consecutivesecutive win – and their biggestt ever points total l against the Wallabies. es.
“World class? Owen’s kicking is solar systemystem class,” Jones raved. d.
England have e conquered Australia a in their own backyard rd as many times in the past 15 5 days as in the previous 107-year year history of the fixture. Yesterday’s victory keeps them on track to equal England’s all-time record of 14 wins on the spin before the year is out.
They play South Africa, Fiji, Argentina and the Aussies, again, this autumn.
“Very few sides beat Australia in Australia,” said Jones after a win which featured tries for Dan Cole, Mike Brown, Billy Vunipola and Jamie George.
“We’ve not only beaten them, we’ve beaten them 3-0. It’s a significant achievement but it’s only a small step for us.
“If we want to be the No.1 team in the world, which we do, we need g greater consistency.” England were outscored in tries for the second time in three Tests. But, just as in Brisbane, the mighty boot of Farrell (below) came to their rescue.
The 24-year-old flies home a hero today, having kicked 23 goals from 26 attempts – but he played down his achievement, insisting: “That’s my job.”
Terrific
However, Jones said: “Owen’s been absolutely terrific on this tour.
“We must be very thankful to Jonny Wilkinson for the work he has done with him and George Ford.” Farrell added to the praise. “Jonny’s made me understand a lot better what I do,” he said. “He’s the best ever.”
Jones also played a crucial role by making another early substitution, in this case flanker Teimana Harrison, to counter Australia’s strong start.
It paid dividends as England twice came from behind before putting their hosts away with George’s late try and a hat-trick of Farrell penalties in the final quarter.
The Brisbane Sunday Mail’s sour headline proclaimed: “Well done England. Now a second continent hates you as well”.
That won’t bother Jones as much as England’s defence shipping five tries a fortnight after conceding four.
But even he recognised that now was not the time to pour cold water on a glorious achievement.
Jones said: “I’m sure people in England will now be talking a little less about the pound devaluing because of Brexit and more about the value of the England rugby side going up.”
Wishful thinking, perhaps. But certainly a step in the right direction.