Get off Farrell’s back, he’ll shine again at World Cup
OWEN FARRELL is 23. It is worth emphasising that point, because he is often perceived as a seasoned veteran and that is not helping him.
Four years ago, he was on loan at Bedford in the Championship. now, he has played 28 Tests for England, represented the lions and — as befitting an accelerated career path — finds his international credentials being cast into doubt.
amid the rush to lambast the Saracens fly-half for his poor form on England duty last month, it is appropriate to consider the context. Firstly, he was a victim of circumstance. Secondly, he will feature prominently at next year’s World Cup, providing he is not injured.
Farrell was off- colour during the defeats by new Zealand and South africa. He deserved to be dropped for the series- ending victory over australia, following a hit-and-miss shift at inside centre against Samoa. But to write him off would be ludicrous and he will relish vying with his good friend, george Ford, for the England no 10 shirt.
Mark McCall, Saracens’ director of rugby, says Farrell was ‘rusty’ going into the november campaign. That is a colossal understatement. after a month out injured, he had played one full and unconvincing match before earning an England recall.
He should not have been picked to face the all Blacks. He wasn’t ready. McCall said: ‘He played one 80 minutes and was asked to face new Zealand, which is a pretty tough ask.’ no, it is impossible.
Stuart lancaster and his coaches needed an alternative plan, but they didn’t feel they had a viable one — Ford had missed the summer tour of new Zealand, so he hadn’t been exposed to the heat of a Test in the balance. neither Freddie Burns nor danny Cipriani had been included in the senior squad.
The extenuating circumstances go further back. First, Charlie Hodgson retired from Tests, then Toby Flood decided a move to Toulouse was more appealing than playing second fiddle to the rookie. So the safety net had been removed.
Farrell assumed the mantle of the veteran in his position, despite his relative youth. Then lancaster was forced to find a replacement.
Ford seized his opportunity. He played flat to the line and unlocked defences with astute distribution, tactical kicking, pace and footwork. Farrell does not have all those attributes, but neither did Jonny Wilkinson and it didn’t stop him becoming the country’s iconic, World Cup-winning hero.
like Wilkinson, Farrell is a Testmatch animal. In a position often populated by more delicate artists, he is made of steel and armed with cold composure as a goal-kicker, despite the competitive fire that rages within.
What he needs now is game after game at fly-half for Saracens, to rediscover his missing sharpness, while honing his efforts to feel at home playing flat to the line.
To start a Test, he must be ready; fully fit and playing well. Farrell will be an international match-winner again, but England have learned the hard way that he needs to be handled with care.