Farrell: Impressed as England's pivot
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Saracens utility back Owen Farrell will get game-time at fly-half for the Premiership club ahead of England's Six Nations campaign.
That is the word from Saracens rugby director Mark McCall after Farrell came on as a replacement at outside centre and kicked two penalties in his side's 17-16 victory over Northampton on Sunday.
Veteran Charlie Hodgson, who also kicked two penalties for Sarries, stayed at pivot when Farrell came on against Saints.
"Owen will play some rugby at 10 over the next two or three weeks," McCall told the BBC.
"He'll get plenty of rugby there to make sure he's in good form for England when the Six Nations begins."
England coach Stuart Lancaster preferred Toby Flood as his number 10 in their recent Test losses against the Springboks and Wallabies.
But Farrell started at fly-half in the win over the All Blacks, kicking 17 points.
McCall said the 21-year-old knows that he will play at fly-half for Sarries at some point before England's Six Nations opener against Scotland at Twickenham on 2 February.
"Owen is very aware of the plan we have over the next three weeks - and has been since he came back from England's autumn internationals - about when he will play 10 and when he won't," said McCall.
"He is very happy with that plan."
Comments
APV1 says...
@ Centre12 - Hear! Hear!
Posted 11:27 02nd January 2013
Centre12 says...
On international exposure he has got to be England's first choice #10, however on form there is no doubt that the best English #10 is Burns. As far as i'm concerned England should develop theses two and Ford over the next few years and disregard Flood, he has always been "ok" but "ok" doesn't win you World Cup's.
Lets get Burns starting at #10 against Scotland, see how he gets on with Farrell covering 10,12,13.
Posted 02:47 01st January 2013
heart_of_oak says...
I reckon Burns is better and is getting plenty of game time at 10 with Gloucester. The problem for Burns is he doesn't have the family influence that Farrell does.
Posted 22:35 31st December 2012
lardon says...
It disturbs me that he isn't the first choice 10 for his club while England are playing him in a key position like fly half. But the thing that disturbs me more is that the guy who is the first choice is also English... Even most Saracens fans will acknowledge that they play better when Charlie is playing at 10.
Posted 22:19 31st December 2012
lawynd says...
They'll have to cut out the off-pitch dirty tricks before I have even a modicum of respect for them, TVaddict.
Posted 14:08 31st December 2012
TVaddict says...
You know I used to loath Saracens but gradually they're winning me over. If they bring through a few more young stars like Farrell and Kruis and carry on moving to an attacking style of play then they'll have another fan in me.
Posted 13:30 31st December 2012
jonesy2 says...
oh good i was worried
Posted 12:52 31st December 2012