Farrell: I will just be myself as captain

Owen Farrell assumes the mantle of England captain for the first time in earnest declaring that he will “be myself ”, as England look to launch themselves into World Cup year in good order. Farrell insists not much has changed with Dylan Hartley deposed to the bench, but there is little doubt that with only half a dozen matches of note to go until the tournament begins in Japan, this could be the shape of things to come.

By the time the four warm-up matches take place in August, Farrell could have led England through the Six Nations Championship, a campaign that starts in Dublin against Grand Slam champions Ireland, coached by his father, Andy. But the fly-half is adamant that England should not look to copy others.

“We won’t get too caught up with what Ireland are doing [because] as soon as we look anywhere else, we will stop focusing on ourselves and what we can do to take us to a new level,” said Farrell. “It is about getting us right, making sure we peak on Saturday. Regardless of how many times we have played Australia, we have to be able to perform when the going gets tough. As we saw last weekend [against Japan], we found what we needed to do, not through shouting and screaming but through calmness and clear thinking.”

Farrell dismisses the idea that he might have too much responsibility as playmaker, goal-kicker and captain. “Nothing has changed in the way I do anything,” he said. “There are leaders all over the field that drive the team forward.”

Farrell was asked if his father had been happy after Ireland’s historic win over New Zealand. “He’s all right,” came the reply. More animated than usual? “Not really.” Congratulate him? “Of course.” England will need such unfussy directness today.