OWEN FARRELL’S billing as England’s new Jonny Wilkinson becomes more pertinent with every Test match he plays – however much he tries to eschew the comparisons.
Farrell, at 20, has already seen his work ethic, temperament, control and goal-kicking likened favourably to England’s 2003 World Cup-winning outhalf.
Defence can now be added to that list after Farrell’s shuddering tackle on France number eight Imanol Harinordoquy in the closing stages of England’s 24-22 victory over France.
Farrell had put himself about all match but that one hit, so vital in England defending their two-point lead, revived memories of Wilkinson’s tackle on Emile Ntamack at the same stadium in 2000.
Wilkinson changed the job description of an outhalf.
When he policed England’s 10 channel it was a no-go area for opposition ball carriers, and that was the message Farrell’s tackle on Harinordoquy sent out to the global game.
“I enjoy getting stuck in. I would not like people to think I’m a weak link in defence, no definitely not,” Farrell said.
“I am not particularly (trying to emulate Wilkinson) but obviously you realise that for a fella playing outhalf, going around putting all those big hits in, it was brilliant to watch. I played a lot at centre growing up and you just want to make a positive impact on the game. If you give yards in tackles that for me is not a positive impact.
“Just like anybody else, if an opportunity presents itself where you can really throw yourself in and make a big hit then I will try to take it.
“Everyone has to make tackles. Defence allows you to be very physical, especially the way we defend.
“We want to get off the line and smash people and we want to impose ourselves on opposition. Everyone enjoys defending here and everyone gets stuck in. That bodes well.”
It did not matter to Farrell – 6ft 2in, 15st 1lb – that the man thundering towards him was the French man-of-the match Harinordoquy – 6ft 4in, 17st 1lb.
“You want to chop people down and get people on the floor as quickly as possible,” Farrell said.
“I saw Harinordoquy coming steaming onto a short ball and lined him up. You can tell when you’ve hit someone hard!
“What satisfied me was that we went to France, played some good rugby along the way and came away with a win. The character we showed and the way we got stuck in for each other was brilliant.”
England’s defensive effort so far this Six Nations has been monumental. The official statistics say Stuart Lancaster’s side have made 448 tackles in four matches.
According to England’s own count they made a record number of tackles in their victory over Scotland at Murrayfield.
Chris Robshaw led the way against France with 25, Geoff Parling made 20 and Brad Barritt in midfield was arguably England’s best defender.
Farrell’s was not the only decisive tackle against the French. Chris Ashton’s bold decision to come in-field and level Dimitri Szarzewski stopped France from scoring and led directly to Manu Tuilagi’s try.
Dan Cole was credited with a try-saving tackle on Wesley Fofana and Phil Dowson was knocked out as he defended on England’s line.
“We want to impose ourselves through our physicality on the teams whether it be attack or defence but it’s a mindset as well,” Farrell said.
England’s assistant coach Graham Rowntree puts that mindset down to the work Stuart Lancaster has done in restoring a sense of pride in the squad.
“It comes back to the culture of wanting to work for each other,” Rowntree said. “That is the bedrock of Stuart’s philosophy. In terms of the players he has picked we have some great characters who are very selfless in this group.
“Stuart is very good at setting us new challenges every week. He breaks down a lot of areas and we have to grade ourselves out of 10.
“There have been no 10s – there have not been many eights – but defence is up towards the 10s.”
Player of Six Nations: Ryan, Sexton on list
THERE ARE several glaring omissions from the RBS Six Nations player of the championship shortlist announced yesterday, writes Gavin Cummiskey.
To be nominated a player must have won a man of the match award, which is chosen by the host broadcaster. Italy’s Andrea Masi was the surprise winner in 2011 when the shortlist also went to a public vote.
No English player was shortlisted yesterday, while Donnacha Ryan is named, despite only starting one game. Wales captain Sam Warburtons nomination further highlights the flaws in this process; the Welsh captain has been injured since February 25th. Jonathan Sexton is the other Irish nominee.
The names were essentially chosen by the home broadcasters' second commentator just before the full-time whistle was sounded in each game. A "fans poll" will decide the overall winner, to be announced March 21st, via a voting process on www.rbs6nations.com.
NOMINEES: Donnacha Ryan and Jonathan Sexton (Ireland). Sam Warburton, Dan Lydiate, Alex Cuthbert and Mike Philips ( Wales). Julien Malzieu,Yoann Maestri and Imanol Harinordoquy (France). David Denton and Ross Rennie (Scotland). Sergio Parisse (Italy).
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