I’m all fine ‘injured’ Farrell tells England
OWEN Farrell told Eddie Jones he will be fit, ready and firing for England in South Africa despite limping out of Saracens’ defeat of Exeter.
The world class back shrugged off injury fears he could be a doubt for the three-Test tour after inspiring Sarries to a third English title in four years at Twickenham.
He sparked concerns for his welfare and the forthcoming tour of South Africa when he was hurt in a nasty second half collision in the 27-10 triumph.
He needed treatment on the field before being replaced but Farrell insisted: “There’s no pain and nothing to worry about. It was just a bit of cramp and I couldn’t carry on. I am fine and looking forward to South Africa.
“It’s great to now be looking forward to a tour like that on the back of winning the Premiership title. It makes the summer ahead even sweeter, and we are all going to enjoy the celebrations tonight and tomorrow before thinking about England.
“The lads were outstanding. Everyone of them played a part in helping us overcome a very strong and talented Exeter team. We knew we had to be physically up for it from the very start, and be ready for whatever they could throw at us.
“Once we got that open-
ing ten minutes out the way we got that try from Billy and, for most of the game, it went to plan. It’s been a tough season but this is a fantastic way to finish it.”
England boss Jones watched on from the stands as 75,000 fans saw Sarries win a red hot contest in spring heat.
Jones will have enjoyed Billy Vunipola’s 58 minute display of brute force and power, grabbing a try and showing he will be a real presence in South Africa.
Vunipola, who missed a large part of the season through injury, almost missed out with a hamstring problem.
He explained: “The medical staff gave me the chance to play this week, and I wanted to repay them and help the team win.
“It was a tough game and Exeter did well. But we were in the right place to get the job done and it’s always a special feeling.”
Brother Mako Vunipola was man of the match as Sarries, who may have lost their European crown to Leinster, regained the domestic one.
Mako insisted: “This win feels just as good as all the others. The best teams go on and on winning. We want to do that, and we did it here today. We were accurate in everything we did.”
Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall praised his team for sweeping aside opponents who had done the double over them in the regular season and finished eight points above them in the table.
He said: “Considering the level of the opponent today was our best performance in a Twickenham Final.”
It was a different feeling than 12 months ago for Exeter boss Rob Baxter who saw his side’s bid to defend their title end in failure.
Baxter said: “We have no complaints. We failed to finish off our early pressure and were caught by the sucker punch. Sarries can make you hurt if you let them and they controlled the game for most of the time. They know how to get the job done.”