Farrell’s boot sets up Sydney decider
EDDIE Jones labelled Owen Farrell the best competitor he has ever seen after the inside-centre booted England home 25-17 against Australia to set up a decider in Sydney on Saturday.
But Maro Itoje will miss that match after coming off in the first half following a head knock and Jones immediately ruled out the Saracens lock.
England will monitor Sam Underhill, another head bang victim, who left proceedings after 58 minutes but are hopeful he will be available.
Farrell kicked 20 points, missing just one shot at goal, despite attracting a chorus of boos from the Suncorp Stadium crowd every time he lined up.
His Saracens team-mate Billy Vunipola had a stormer at No.8 in his second Test after being ditched in March 2021, and Ellis Genge was on the charge, to leave Jones purring.
Head coach Jones said: “Owen is Owen. He never changes, hates the world, best competitor I’ve ever coached. That includes George Gregan, he fights hard, loves the battle, drives standards. He’s an incredible player.
“We picked Billy on the back of his improving club form and he’s got better each week. He’s getting fitter. His level of commitment to be the best player he can be is improving all the time and he had a good look in his eyes before the game today. He’s only going to get better.”
England accelerated into a 19-0 lead on the back of Vunipola’s carrying, Genge winning his battle against Taniela Tupou, the Tongan Thor, and Farrell’s boot.
But Jones was impressed by the impact of rookies like centre Guy Porter, wing Tommy Freeman and scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet, who was lively before being replaced by Danny Care, as England held a resurgent Wallaby side out.
Jones added: “For a debut game I thought Guy was outstanding. He worked hard, he’s that no nonsense, bustling Sydney University centre. Run hard, chase kicks, run hard, chase kicks, run hard, chase kicks. That’s all Sydney Uni ever does and he’s out of that school and he does that really well. He’s a good lad.
“I was more pleased with the last 15 minutes; the way we fought. For a young team to be under that sort of pressure at Suncorp, playing against a team who are really com