CAN DAD STOP SON?
Farrell family battle at heart of crunch game — and neither will give an inch, insists Robinson
JASON ROBINSON can vividly recall Owen Farrell, then a child, kicking a rugby ball around with his father Andy during Wigan Warriors training sessions.
On Saturday in Dublin, Farrell junior will lead England out as captain in their Six Nations opener against Ireland. That the Saracens fly-half will be tasked with unlocking an Irish defence organised by Farrell senior adds huge intrigue to the showdown.
It is a contest to increase the heartbeat and it could decide the tournament winners, according to Robinson, a league legend who then earned immortality in union by helping England win the World Cup back in 2003.
‘It’s a meeting of two great rugby minds — Owen is England’s key man and one of the best players in the world, while Andy is a fantastic coach,’ said Robinson.
‘England will look to Owen to spearhead their attack from fly-half and his battle with Jonathan Sexton will be worth the entrance fee alone.
‘But what is fascinating is that much of Ireland’s preparation this week from Andy and head coach Joe Schmidt will centre on nullifying Owen Farrell.
‘The family connection is obvious but both Farrells will be so busy this week with training, team meetings and media commitments to think about that too much.
‘They’re ultra-professional and it’s a job at the end of the day, so it’s an unsaid rule that they won’t be trying to get too much out of each other in the build-up.’
Farrell junior, 27, has won 65 England caps and assumed the Red Rose captaincy last year. Robinson said: ‘Owen will go down as one of England’s greatest-ever 10s but I remember him as a kid when he would come to watch his dad train at Wigan. Andy would be practising his kicking and Owen would boot the balls back to him.
‘I played with Andy for 10 years and I believe Owen is definitely comparable. I may be biased towards Andy because I know him as a player so well, but I see in Owen the same outstanding rugby brain, maturity from a very young age and relentless desire to win.
‘Physically, mentally and tactically, they are from the same mould. It’s uncanny really because neither take a backward step. They’re incredible competitors.’
Robinson believes Mike Brown would provide more defensive solidity than Elliot Daly in the No15 jersey.
‘But the fact Eddie Jones picked Daly ahead of Brown in the autumn internationals suggests he possibly sees him as his full-back for the World Cup,’ said Robinson.
And he added: ‘Crucially, I believe whoever wins this game will go on to win the Six Nations. Ireland are the team to beat and have defeated New Zealand twice in the past couple of years.
‘But the Vunipola brothers should play for England along with Manu Tuilagi and Eddie Jones’ team need to start building momentum ahead of the World Cup.’
JASON ROBINSON is an ambassador for Fuzion100, the great tasting rehydration drink powered by coconut water. Fuzion100 is proud to be the Official Rehydration Partner of England Rugby. Follow Fuzion100 on social media and www.cocofuzion100.co.uk