In a candid statement, former England rugby icon Matt Dawson has voiced his concerns about Owen Farrell to playing in the Rugby World Cup.
Despite being entrusted with the captaincy for the tournament, Farrell’s absence from the initial two matches is attributed to a suspension incurred when he received a red card during a warm-up match against Wales last month.
This critique from Dawson stands in contrast to the views expressed by his former teammate, Lawrence Dallaglio, who asserted on ITV yesterday that Farrell should be a part of the team in the upcoming match against Chile .
It is evident that there exists a difference of opinion within the rugby community regarding Farrell’s role.
“I don’t think Owen Farrell is good enough to get in the team at the moment, but let’s see how he goes over the next couple weeks,” Dawson told BBCRadio 5 Live.
“The off-field dynamic of how great Owen Farrell is, I have heard for years and years, but I have just not seen it on the pitch.
“What I do see up close and analyse is how he plays for England. I don’t see him bringing anything that isn’t already there.
“I would not put Marcus Smith in as a starting 15 but there is nothing wrong with bringing him on if you need to change a game up.”
Four England players Steve Borthwich should drop and who should replace them
#1. Jonny May
Express 5/10: “Clumsy late challenge on Lemeki handed Rikiya Matsuda a simple penalty and added to the self-inflicted pressure on England.”
Mail Online 4/10: “Did not touch the ball in the first 40 minutes and conceded a penalty for a late hit that gifted territory to Japan.”
Rugby Pass 4/10: “Not a game for wingers. When is it ever in the Borthwick era? Didn’t feature in the opening half apart from a leap to cover a Japan cross kick that went into touch and then a late clip on a clearing kicker that gave the opposition a scored penalty from where the ball landed. “
The Guardian 5/10: “Didn’t touch the ball in the first half, though gave a needless penalty away, but more involved in second. Is in the side to chase kicks.”
Replacement: Henry Arundell