An Owen Farrell dive was one of the only low points on a fantastic day of rugby at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The England fly-half was forced to leave the field during their bonus-point win over Harlequins, following a tackle that resulted in his leg buckling under the weight of Harlequins hooker Sam Riley.
Despite being treated on the field, Farrell was visibly uncomfortable and had to be helped off late in the second half.
According to Mark McCall, Saracens’ director of rugby, Farrell’s injury was a reaggravation of an ankle problem that he had previously suffered before England’s game against Ireland in the Six Nations.
At the time, the injury was diagnosed as a grade one sprain, but it remains uncertain whether Farrell’s ankle has worsened since then.
Further information on the extent of his injury is expected in the coming days.
One less great moment saw Farrell take a tumble in the second half, which correctly resulted in a yellow card for Quins centre Luke Northmore.
One fan wrote: “Owen Farrell’s football dive,”
A second commented: “Yes that is a card, but Owen Farrell has absolutely milked that. Embarrassing.”
Another said: “Owen Farrell gone down like a footballer there. Embarrassing,”
Owen Farrell dive:
“No Marcus Smith” – How England would line-up under Andy Farrell
Andy Farrell praised the joined-up thinking of Irish rugby and insisted he has no reason to return home for a job in England.
Since being sacked by the RFU after the 2015 World Cup, Farrell has forged a reputation as one of the game’s leading coaches, steering Ireland to No 1 in the world rankings.
England made enquiries about bringing him back to Twickenham when Eddie Jones was sacked, but was told where to go by their former employee.
Below, we take a look at the team we think Farrell would name considering his current Ireland selection.
How England would line-up under Andy Farrell:
Back-three:
#15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
#14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints)
#11. Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs)
Centre:
#13. Elliot Daly (Saracens)
#12. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby)
