England vs. Chile: Owen Farrell Eager for Rugby World Cup Debut After a ‘Challenging’ Ban
Captain Owen Farrell is back in action for England after a challenging period of suspension, and he’s raring to make his mark in the Rugby World Cup. Farrell missed the opening victories against Argentina and Japan due to a high tackle ban but is set to return against Chile. The 31-year-old fly-half expressed his excitement, saying, “It has been a bit challenging because you are unbelievably excited to play for England and get started in a World Cup. You want to be out there at the weekend. I am massively excited.”
During his suspension, George Ford admirably filled the role of fly-half, showcasing fantastic performances that didn’t go unnoticed by Farrell. He commended his friend and rival, saying, “George has obviously been playing fantastic, the team has been playing really well, and that is exactly what you want as an England player. I can’t speak highly enough about the way that he has been performing and the lads as a group.”
However, with Farrell’s return, England faces an interesting scenario, with the possibility of both Ford and Farrell on the pitch together in the latter part of the match against Chile. This dynamic could bring a unique dimension to England’s game.
Farrell’s experience as a spectator during England’s matches has been both exhilarating and exhausting. He confessed, “I don’t detach myself, no. I am knackered by the end, to be honest, especially that first one [against Argentina]. I wouldn’t describe myself as a good watcher. I feel involved, I feel like I am out there at times, I feel every emotion that goes with it, sometimes I reckon a bit more so than if I was playing.”
Fans have had mixed reactions to England’s performances, especially the kick-heavy tactics against Japan and the team’s handling errors. Farrell understands the passion of the crowd and their desire for success, saying, “I get the passion that the crowd is bringing and the will to want us to do well and all the emotions that go with that. I understand what you are talking about in terms of the emotion of being sat there watching, and I also see what the team is doing on the pitch.”
Max Malins is set to make his first appearance of the campaign on the wing against Chile and recognizes the opportunity to secure a more regular role. He said, “When you come to a World Cup, you know a squad is going to be used, and your opportunity is going to come at some point. Then it is about making sure you take that opportunity.”
While Chile is the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, England isn’t taking anything for granted. Farrell emphasized the need to earn the right to play an expansive game, stating, “We think we probably should have a bit more ball this week, but we know we can’t just fling the ball about. We have to make sure we can go through them as well as round them. There has been a big emphasis on denting through them first, and when that space on the outside does come, that is when we pull the trigger.”
With Farrell’s return and the determination of the England squad, the Rugby World Cup promises to be an exciting journey for both players and fans alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rugby World Cup Return
Q: Why did Owen Farrell miss the opening matches of the Rugby World Cup?
A: Owen Farrell missed the opening matches of the Rugby World Cup because he was serving a four-match ban for a high tackle on Wales flanker Taine Basham in a pre-World Cup warm-up match.
Q: Who filled in for Owen Farrell during his suspension?
A: George Ford took on the role of fly-half in Owen Farrell’s absence and delivered impressive performances for England.
Q: How did Owen Farrell feel while watching England’s matches as a spectator?
A: Owen Farrell described watching England’s matches as both exhilarating and exhausting. He mentioned that he didn’t detach himself from the game and felt deeply involved, experiencing all the emotions as if he were playing.
Q: What is the reaction of the fans to England’s recent performances in the Rugby World Cup?
A: The fans had mixed reactions to England’s performances, particularly regarding the team’s kick-heavy tactics against Japan and handling errors. Owen Farrell acknowledged the passion of the crowd and their desire for success, understanding the emotional rollercoaster of being a spectator.
Q: How does Max Malins view his upcoming opportunity to play for England?
A: Max Malins sees his upcoming appearance against Chile as an opportunity to stake a claim to a more regular role. He recognizes that in a World Cup, the squad will be used, and it’s crucial to make the most of the chances that come his way.
Q: What is England’s approach to their match against Chile, despite Chile being the lowest-ranked team in the tournament?
A: England is cautious and focused on earning the right to play an expansive game against Chile. Owen Farrell emphasized the need to go through their opponents and not simply rely on flinging the ball around. The team is emphasizing a balanced approach to secure victory.
More about Rugby World Cup Return
- BBC Sport: England captain Owen Farrell says it has been ‘challenging’ to watch on
- BBC Sport: England v Chile: Owen Farrell returns after ‘challenging’ ban
- BBC Sport: England coach Steve Borthwick names his side to face Chile
- BBC Sport: England v Chile: Max Malins to make first appearance
- BBC Sport: England must earn right to be expansive, says Owen Farrell
