‘Unique’ Farrell deserves more respect, says Goode
Saracens full-back Alex Goode remains baffled by the lack of “love and respect” Owen Farrell has engendered among supporters.
Farrell led Saracens to a sixth Premiership title on Saturday and, barring injury, will be starting for England during the World Cup, whether that is at 10 or 12, which will be no cause for celebration for a sizeable section of the country’s support.
“I don’t think he has ever had that love and respect over his career but there’s no one who wouldn’t want to play with him,” Goode said. “Even on opposition sides, everyone would want to be with him. I wouldn’t want to have anyone else there. He is a special player and it’s not just what you see on the field, it is the lead-up in the week driving standards and getting everyone to that level.
“He has done that all season and that is a special quality. A lot of people want to have that responsibility but that means thinking about the game, thinking about the team, thinking about the personalities. Then to be able to drive that and lead that is unique. He is unique in that role.”
Duncan Taylor, another of Farrell’s Saracens team-mates, is also effusive, saying: “He has been incredible this season. He has the weight of the world on his shoulders at times, especially during the Six Nations, but the way he comes back to give everything to this club is testament to his personality. He is one of the toughest competitors but also one of the calmest heads. His track record in finals is ridiculous. He knows how to get the job done and brings everyone with him.”
Farrell continues to demand high standards, although that has never affected the esteem in which he is held by Saracens. As Jackson Wray said: “He screams at you, ‘Get off the line, you get off the line’. He screams at you to, ‘Get off the floor, you get off the floor’. He is a driver of everything and in those moments he is crucial. He is one of the best players I have played with.”