Farrell is our man with a plan and key to glory in Japan
OWEN FARRELL says his England team are primed and ready to deliver their best at the World Cup.
The Red Rose captain arrives in typhoon-hit Japan today confident the tournament’s second favourites can whip up a storm of their own.
“There’s been a plan in place to get us as ready as we possibly can be for thisWorld Cup and it feels like we are in a good place,” said the Saracens star.
“I can’t wait to get going. You never know what could happen.
“You’ve got to be as prepared as you can for what’s in front of you whilst ready to deal with anything.
We’ll make sure we’re calm enough to do that.”
Farrell has had the armband since injury sidelined Dylan Hartley at the turn of the year.
But to all intents and purposes the son of rugby league legend Andy has been England’s spiritual leader for many years.
World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio has no doubt Farrell, who this year became a dad, holds the key if England are to reclaim the trophy.
“Any team at the World Cup would want Owen in their team,” said Dallaglio, speaking on behalf of Land Rover.
“He is the player who really drives this England side.
“He’s the conscience of the team – without doubt, the key guy. He has got a determination and restlessness to want to improve which becomes infectious among team-mates and colleagues.
“It’s in his DNA because he has rugby in his blood.
“He’s been around winning teams since he could first walk and now he seems totally comfortable with the responsibility he has.”
Ireland might have gone top of the world rankings by beating Wales for the second time in a week, but England pose the greater threat on current form. “I think any team that beats England is going to win the World Cup,” declared Italy boss Conor O’Shea.
“Look at their raw power and some of their natural winners – they’ll be at fever pitch come theWorld Cup.”
Tonga, thrashed 92-7 by New Zealand on Saturday, are England’s first opponents in Sapporo on Sunday week but Farrell says that nothing will be taken for granted
“You’ve got to make sure you keep building and keep learning,” he said. “But there’s a lot left in us.And that’s good, a good place to be in.” ●Land Rover is official Worldwide Partner of RugbyWorld Cup 2019.With over 20 years of heritage supporting rugby at all levels, Land Rover is celebrating what makes rugby, rugby.
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