Originally Posted by
Mike Teevee:
“I daresay if Farrell had had the mild bust ups that Brown had in French and Irish games, it would be held against him.
I wasn't trying to suggest that Brown is an indisciplined player, merely semi defending Farrell.
I'm not even a Farrell (or Saracens) fan. It's just that I don't personally think he's that petulant, at least no more so than other players.
Anyway I'll leave it there, as I don't want to derail the thread. Well done again England, hopefully we'll get a nice win in Italy next week (and who knows what else depending on last match).
”
Farrell has been very lucky not be to carded for petulance. I can kinda understand why he does it. He went into test rugby at a young age and no doubt he was targeted so I would not be surprised if his old man told him not to take a backward step on the pitch. He just needs to get to grips with it a bit and yesterday he handled the occasion and his emotions perfectly. He is maturing.
I do however have some major issues with Farrell being first choice fly half as he lacks quite a bit of skill and at times vision. That said, he is improving in this area but I think Cipriani would be more suited in getting the best out of our pacey backline. It's a shame that Cips seems to have rubbed the RFU up the wrong way as he isn't even in the Saxons squad even though he has been one of the most consistent 10s in England for the past 2 seasons. It's a hell of a gamble going into a RWC with a 10 with dubious passing and another 10 (Ford) who is unlikely to get much game time in the next year. Farrell has always been a limited player. Great defence, average kicking (faultless yesterday though...even from hand!), average distribution. He may well mature into a very good test player and I hope that happens quickly as England are butchering too many chances at the moment.
Nice to see 12T improving with each game. Burrell has been marvellous too. The nightmare of Tomkins, Hape and the other dross we have served up in midfield seems a distant memory now and we even have Tuilagi to look forward to getting back.
Wings need some work. Nowell is ok but too raw. He needs more experience. May is fast and great at running sideways but I'm not sure he's cut out for test rugby. Yarde and Wade could be an amazing combination for England.
The pack is just going from strength to strength and that was without 2 of our first choice front row. I thought Wilson would struggle but he coped admirably considering how little he has played. Hartley was a bit lucky to stay on the pitch without being carded..some silly penalties. Second row is brilliant and Attwood on the bench adds some grunt to the scrum. Still have Parling to come back too. Back row is coming along nicely too. The work ethic or Robshaw and Wood is amazing. Nice to have a ball carrier there in Vunipola and Morgan. Kinda feel we need a genuine openside in there but we seem to be coping ok without one.
It's also great to see Lancaster learning how and when to use the bench. Care is staying on longer and that is great as he can inject so much control for the entire game if need be.
I honestly can't see us getting a cricket score against Italy in Rome. Ireland may have torn them a new one in Dublin but Owens didn't do any favours for Italy. Our only hope is France remembering how to play rugby at the same time as hoping England don't get complacent against the Italians. Man for man, we're better but still have to come up with the goods on the day.