BRING ON THE KIWIS
Farrell’s pumped up for All Blacks
OWEN FARRELL thinks England can beat the All Blacks after pulling off this dramatic win.
New Zealand, the world champions, have lost just once – against South Africa two months ago – in their last 13 Tests.
Farrell is free to play on Saturday after the citing deadline for a controversial tackle on Andre Esterhuizen passed last night.
And the co-captain insisted the Kiwis could be toppled at Twickenham.
“Anyone can be beaten. I don’t think any team is unbeatable. They got beat not so long ago didn’t they?” said Farrell.
“We know it’s going to be a big test. The No.1 team in the world is coming.
“Everybody loves playing against the best teams. We’ll pour all our energy into next week, go in with clear heads and look forward to it.”
Cracks
Coach Eddie Jones is confident too, having identified cracks in New Zealand’s armour.
“I didn’t need this to make me believe we can beat the All Blacks – I thought we could beat the All Blacks in 2016,” said Jones.
“I said to the boys after this game that I cannot wait. They are the benchmark.
“Where you are in the world, you only know when you play against the All Blacks. Any team that wins 91 per cent of their games is a great team. What other teams in world sport do that?
“You’ve got to believe you can beat them. You’ve got to understand where they’re weak, understand where they’re strong and be disciplined in your game plan.” The All Blacks won’t be quaking, though, once they analyse an England performance that left the Springboks wondering how they lost.
South Africa dominated the first half with only Farrell’s kicking keeping the hosts in contention.
Elliot Daly’s three-pointer from inside his own half nudged England in front but
Handre Pollard’s penalty reply made it 11-9 to the Boks with time running out.
Farrell then landed his third penalty to swing it back England’s way – and Pollard could only hit an upright with a match-winner attempt at the death.