Owen Farrell scored in the Premier League final. Credit: Getty Images/Mike Hewitt
The Saracens center Duncan Taylor has spent most of his career away from Owen Farrell, following his calls and reading his lines, but he still struggles to put himself in the shoes of the England captain. “Being in his brain… I don't think he really understands what's going on in his head.” He said.
The paradox is how Farrell combines the fire of his leadership with the ice of his tactical awareness, creating what Taylor describes as “a sense of calm when he's at the helm.” At times in his career, the intensity of his tensions has threatened to melt his teammates, but the pressure he puts on them is nothing compared to what he expects from his own game. “He's his own biggest critic,” Taylor confirms.
However, there has been a slight shift in the past 12 months. Just as the Saracens loosened the shackles of their attacking game, Farrell loosened up too. A small snapshot came in the semi-final victory over Northampton in the Premier League when his 50-22 kick attempt just fell apart. If before he frowned like a bulldog chewing a wasp, here he laughed at the fickleness of a bouncing ball.
The smile was still in the Premier League's final win over the Sale Sharks on Saturday, only this time every shot and pass hit the mark in the most complete English fly game in half this season. “When you watch him play and train over the past six months, he really enjoys it and what rugby has to offer and give him,” Taylor said. “I think it allowed him to show his best side. He has been incredible this season. Sometimes he has the weight of the world on his shoulders, especially during the Six Nations, but the way he comes back to give everything to this club is just a testament to his personality.
“He is one of the toughest opponents, but he also has one of the calmest heads. His track record in the finals is pretty ridiculous. He knows how to get the job done and he pulls everyone with him. You can see how he likes it.”
'Owen has been one of the best players in the world for a long time'
The 31-year-old man has not yet experienced Damascus conversion. As Jackson Ray, another long-time teammate, confirms, the ferocity of his demands hasn't abated in the slightest, although that has never affected the Saracens' respect for him.
“You know where you are,” Ray said. “He screams when you get off the line, you get off the line. He yells at you to get up off the floor, you get up off the floor. He is the engine of everything, and at such moments he is decisive.
“There is a reason he has been one of the best players in the world for a long time. Playing almost all of my games with him is an incredible privilege, but I never doubt that he is England's number 10. You see it [at the end], he was there, melting people, throwing punches, controlling the game, adding pace, and that's what you need. I'm a little biased, but he's one of the best players I've played with.”
Injuries aside, Farrell will start for England during the World Cup, whether it's 10 or maybe 12, which won't be a cause for rejoicing for much of the country's fans. Full-back Alex Good remains baffled by the lack of love and respect Farrell has garnered from the fans, which is widespread among both teammates and opponents.
“I don't think he ever ever experienced such love. and respect for his career, but there is no one who would not want to play with him, ”Good said. “Even in the opposition, everyone would like to be with him. I've played so much in my career and I wouldn't want anyone else to be there. He's a special player, and it's not just what you see on the pitch today, but the fact that he raised his driving standards in the week and got everyone up to that level.
“He's been doing it all season and this is a special quality. A lot of people want to have that kind of responsibility, but when it comes down to it, it means thinking about the game, thinking about the team, thinking about individuals. Then to be able to drive it and drive what is unique. He is unique in this role.”
Recent Comments