By Chris Foy

Last updated at 11:32 PM on 23rd February 2012

Owen Farrell accepted the latest rapid step in his personal development yesterday in the same relaxed manner that he has dealt with every other challenge in his burgeoning career.

Not even suddenly having to take on a No 10 playmaker’s role for England, which for so long belonged to Jonny Wilkinson, appeared to unsettle him. Run the attacking game? No problem. Act as the focal point for the hopes of a huge Twickenham crowd? That’s fine. Take the goal kicks as well? Of course. Deal with the hype as the new sensation? What hype?

The new man: Owen Farrell pictured at England's Pennyhill Park base on Thursday

England squad

B Foden (Northampton Saints); C Ashton (Northampton Saints), M Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), B Barritt (Saracens), D Strettle (Saracens); O Farrell (Saracens), L Dickson (Northampton Saints); A Corbisiero (London Irish), D Hartley (Northampton Saints), D Cole (Leicester Tigers), M Botha (Saracens), G Parling (Leicester Tigers), T Croft (Leicester Tigers), C Robshaw (Harlequins, capt), B Morgan (Scarlets)

Replacements: R Webber (London Wasps), M Stevens (Saracens), C Lawes (Northampton Saints), P Dowson (Northampton Saints), B Youngs (Leicester Tigers), T Flood (Leicester Tigers), M Brown (Harlequins)

Far from feeling overawed by the task of wielding the conductor’s baton for his country after just two Test appearances, Farrell regards the onus on him tomorrow as nothing special, no cause for alarm — all part of the job.

It shouldn’t be any surprise. After all, he came back from a loan spell at Bedford and expertly guided Saracens to the Aviva Premiership title last season while still a teenager. In the final, at HQ, the sell-out crowd didn’t make his composure unravel.

The unexpected loss of Charlie Hodgson to a freak finger injury has thrust Farrell into the position where he must call the tune against Wales and, as someone used to making his presence felt, he has no worries on that score. He will just do what comes naturally.

Asked about his incredible temperament and willingness to run the show at such a young age, he said: ‘I’ve always had it. When you’ve worked hard to learn as much as you can, watched games and been as prepared as possible, I think you earn the right to talk to other people — not boss them about but try to lead them.

‘I’ve always been a person who speaks up, I’ve always been pretty loud and tried to bring as much energy to the game as I can. The way I play at 12 anyway, I can be a second fly-half in the team. I’ve always wanted to work the game out and be a person who guides the team.

England expects: Farrell's move to fly-half comes as Lancaster makes four changes for the clash with Wales

Final preparations: Farrell (left) and Dickson (right) have been training with team-mates

‘I do have some responsibility but I have some unbelievable players around me, not just here but at Saracens, too, to help me through it.

‘It’s my first game at 10 (for England) and that’s not to say I’ll play there again. I might not. I’m happy to fit in wherever I’m needed.’

In reality, despite the competing presence of Toby Flood as a more experienced rival, Farrell could make a strong case for a long-term stint at No 10 if he kicks his goals and sets team-mates loose in authoritative fashion tomorrow.

Big chance: Dickson (centre) has been given the nod to face Wales and Flood (below) continues in the side

The young Saracen played down the difficulty of switching from inside centre, saying: ‘It’s just stepping in one position.’ His move to stand-off has cleared the way for Manu Tuilagi’s recall in midfield, at outside centre, where he will form a robust, powerful pairing with Brad Barritt.

For all the talk of Welsh power and stature in the back line, England head coach Stuart Lancaster pointedly remarked: ‘Anyone who has seen Brad Barritt and Manu Tuilagi play would argue that we have some physicality of our own. Manu being available again is exciting. He is only 20 and Owen is only 20, they are young lads and exciting players.’

The Farrell-Tuilagi axis previously appeared in England’s Under 18 team and the fly-half was particularly enthused yesterday by the prospect of unleashing his Anglo-Samoan contemporary, as well as Barritt. ‘I’d definitely rather have Manu on my team than against me,’ he said. ‘You can be as prepared as you want, but you’ve still got to stop him. Wales have got some powerful centres so it will be a really good battle.’

Down but not out: Tuilagi required treatment during the training session but was soon back on his feet (below)

The last time Tuilagi appeared in an England shirt, it was in the World Cup quarter-final defeat against France. Tomorrow, he will be in an overhauled backline under new management, with a new attacking gameplan, but the Leicester rookie dismissed such considerations as trivial details. In his eyes, rugby is a simple business of spreading mayhem.

‘For me, playing rugby is about being physical and Wales have got massive backs, so this is the game I want to play in,’ he said, with a cheery grin. ‘It doesn’t feel very different (to when I played for England before).

‘Of course it’s a different game-plan but I just want to get the ball in my hands and run. 
‘I’ve played with Faz in the Under 18s. He’s cool-headed, so I’m not surprised he’s confident to kick points and win games for England.’

That would be the dream scenario for Lancaster and the masses at Twickenham, but it will be a tall order — even taller now that England are fielding their youngest championship line-up since 1989. Remarkably, Wales possess more caps on the bench than the hosts have in their starting XV.

The midfield selection potentially gives England real balance in that area, both in attack and defence, but only time will tell if that scratch combination and the other newcomers, Geoff Parling, Ben Morgan and Lee Dickson, can give Lancaster’s side sufficient clout and exuberance to upset the more established visitors.

 

 

Original post:
Thrown into lions' den! Farrell ready to lead from No10 as Wales roar into Twickenham