Owen Farrell: Kicked 17 points
Owen Farrell believes England's never-say-die attitude was the key to their sensational 38-21 victory over New Zealand.
The win over the world champions came on the back of frustrating defeats to Australia (20-14) and South Africa (16-15) and Farrell hailed the belief of the side.
"The belief has always been there. This win just solidifies that. We know that when we bring our game we can beat anybody," he said.
"We felt the performances were there but we didn't quite get the results we wanted. We felt like it was nearly there
"I know on the outside people didn't think that. But the stuff that has been said on the outside has only made us tighter as a group.
"There is a lot of fight in this team, there is a champions' attitude and it showed out there. The boys put their bodies on the line and really worked hard to put the pressure on.
"We really put in a good performance and it can only do us good going forward. If we stick to our processes and do what we do well, we will challenge any team. If we take our game to them on the day, it doesn't matter who we are playing we are going to trouble them."
Meanwhile, Farrell - who pulled the strings astutely in open play as well as kicking 17 points in all on Saturday - said no one had been more surprised by his inclusion on the IRB shortlist.
Prior to the match, Farrell had been the shock choice among a four-man list of nominees including Dan Carter, Richie McCaw and Frederic Michalak for the IRB honour, which will be presented in London on Monday during the pool draw for the 2015 World Cup in England.
Yet it was Farrell, not Carter, who played like the world record points scorer, fearlessly nailing four penalties and a drop-goal to give England a remarkable 15-0 lead early in the second half.
The two fly-halves swapped jerseys after England's astounding win.
"There is no bigger admirer of him than me," Farrell said of the New Zealand pivot.
"I have watched him very closely.
"We had a little chat after the game and swapped shirts.
"I was massively shocked to be on the (IRB) list. I think I showed bits of what I can do. I can always get better."
Comments
pog_mahone says...
Congratulations England! The game just got better and better as the ABs went up through the gears but were matched all the way. This is another example of end of long season syndrome - no matter how hard the touring teams try there's nothing left in the tank, particualrly when the team they're playing are up for it. Also happened to the Argies and Ireland this year. Well done to George Clancy for recognizing and awarding the English front 5 domination.
Posted 20:54 03rd December 2012
pog_mahone says...
Congratulations England! The game just got better and better as the ABs went up through the gears but were matched all the way. This is another example of end of long season syndrome - no matter how hard the touring teams try there's nothing left in the tank, particualrly when the team they're playing are up for it. Also happened to the Argies and Ireland this year. Well done to George Clancy for recognizing and awarding the English front 5 domination.
Posted 20:54 03rd December 2012
gingergenius says...
Haw haw let's all make jokes at the expense of Owen Farrell, the much criticised, much praised 21 year old with a Premiership winners' medal to his name and a year of good performances for England under his belt.
He didn't ask to be put on that shortlist, and said he's shocked to be there.
I don't get what the cynicism is for Farrell, he's not cocky, arrogant or anything else - he just seems to get on with his own game. He may not be the most exciting 10, but anyone with half a brain can look at Stuart Lancaster's England and their performances and realise that having a 10 in the squad with the ability to excel under pressure is every manager's dream.
Freddie Burns might well be the form man at the moment, but all that means is that the England team in future can call on one mercurial fly half to make things happen and create, and another one to close out tight games and handle the midfield traffic defensively.
Posted 14:43 03rd December 2012
powerplay says...
Just found out that Andy Farrell's younger brother (who is 9) was nominated by the committee for IRB player of the year, next year because his brother showed so much potential in weekend!!!
Posted 10:39 03rd December 2012
Philly says...
One game does not a team make. No disrespect to Farrell but he only performed in one game. It was a brilliant performance but shouldn't it be based on yearly not one game? And didn't England lose to SA and Oz the previous two weeks?
Posted 08:58 03rd December 2012
BokAvenger says...
I don't think I'm getting the plaudits I deserve for England's victory.
Posted 08:41 03rd December 2012