The Rugby World Cup has kicked off with a bang, and England finds itself facing a pleasant predicament – the selection of playmakers George Ford and Owen Farrell. These two seasoned veterans, who have been sharing the pitch since their under-16 days, have given England’s attack coach, Richard Wigglesworth, a “really nice problem” to solve.
George Ford, at 30 years old, recently showcased an extraordinary performance, guiding England to a convincing 27-10 victory over Argentina. With Owen Farrell serving a suspension, Matt Dawson, a World Cup winner himself, praised Ford for being “in complete control” of the game.
England’s depth in the fly-half position is a luxury not many teams enjoy. Wigglesworth acknowledges this, saying, “We’ve got three top international quality 10s.” Alongside Ford and Farrell, Marcus Smith completes the trio. It’s a situation that’s bound to spark discussions and debates among fans and experts alike.
Farrell’s suspension extends to England’s second pool match against Japan, which means he won’t be available until the game against Chile on September 23rd. During his absence, the coaching staff must make critical decisions about the team’s playmaking axis. Should they opt for one of the maestros, Ford or Farrell, at the pivotal number 10 position when Farrell returns? Or, could we witness the dynamic duo of Ford and Farrell partnering up in the midfield?
Wigglesworth provides insight into their decision-making process, stating, “I understand the question, completely, but until we get there, until we are sat in the situation of going: ‘What is best for the team and what is best for the opposition we are playing?’… then we will cross that bridge when we come to it.” It’s a pragmatic approach, focusing on what’s best for the team at that moment.
For now, George Ford will take the reins at number 10 against Japan, as England is forced to make at least one change to the starting XV due to Tom Curry’s suspension. Curry’s early dismissal in the match against Argentina resulted in a disciplinary hearing, and his absence will be felt. However, there’s a silver lining in the form of the return of powerhouse number eight, Billy Vunipola, following his two-week ban for a dangerous tackle.
England’s coaching team, including former lock George Kruis, is fully aware of the significance of their performance against the Pumas. While they take pride in their display, they acknowledge the need for a sharper cutting edge in attack. Relying on Ford’s precise boot to build a score is a strategy, but the team aims to create more line breaks and convert opportunities into tries as the tournament progresses.
In essence, England’s playmaking puzzle is a testament to their depth and talent. As fans eagerly await Farrell’s return, the question remains: how will the coaching staff harness the combined skills of Ford and Farrell to propel England further in this Rugby World Cup? One thing is certain; it’s a delightful problem to have, and it will keep rugby enthusiasts talking for some time to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rugby World Cup Selection
Q: Who are the key players in England’s playmaking dilemma at the Rugby World Cup?
A: The key players in this dilemma are George Ford, Owen Farrell, and Marcus Smith. These three talented fly-halves are at the center of England’s playmaking strategy.
Q: Why is George Ford receiving praise for his recent performance?
A: George Ford’s exceptional performance against Argentina earned him praise for being “in complete control” of the game. He demonstrated his prowess as a playmaker.
Q: How long will Owen Farrell be unavailable due to suspension?
A: Owen Farrell is set to miss England’s second pool match against Japan but will return for the following game against Chile on September 23rd.
Q: How is England planning to address the absence of Tom Curry?
A: With Tom Curry suspended, England has the option of bringing back Billy Vunipola into the back row following his two-week ban, providing a powerful replacement.
Q: What is England’s approach to solving the playmaking puzzle with Ford and Farrell?
A: England’s coaching staff is taking a pragmatic approach, focusing on what is best for the team and considering various scenarios for deploying Ford and Farrell effectively.
Q: What are England’s goals in improving their attack strategy?
A: While England’s performance against Argentina was solid, they aim to develop a sharper cutting edge in attack, striving to create more line breaks and convert opportunities into tries as the tournament progresses.
More about Rugby World Cup Selection
- Rugby World Cup Official Website
- George Ford – England Rugby Profile
- Owen Farrell – England Rugby Profile
- Marcus Smith – England Rugby Profile
- Billy Vunipola – England Rugby Profile
- Matt Dawson – England Rugby World Cup Winner
- Rugby World Cup Fixtures and News
