Cracking the Code

If they knew what they were doing, it must go down as the greatest piece of transfer business in the short history of professional Rugby Union. The type that Harry Redknapp would brag about to Jim White, from the window of his Range Rover. If it were a fluke, well, then it was potting the black off nineteen cushions to be beat Rocket Ronnie in a game of snooks. The acquisition to which I refer is Saracens luring Wigan hero, Andy Farrell, doth South in 2004. Or should I say A.Farrell & Son. At that point, son, Owen was but a 13 year old lad. A youngster, who, one would assume was destined to graduate from the famed production line at the Wigan St Pats club, and into the Super League with the Cherry and Whites.  Farrell senior’s decision to up sticks in search of a new challenge/retirement cheque(delete as applicable) altered the path way of junior Faz. They probably didn’t know it, but English Rugby Union had indirectly obtained a play maker who is now undoubtedly their gre

It was to be expected. The Scots were out of the blocks, points to prove and points to score. A flat fizzer from from Finn Russell put Jonny Grey on the outside and after swatting Gareth Davies, the lock went full trundle for the line, only to be dragged down by Rhys Patchell. Scotland’s expansive attack picking up from where they left off in the November. Ominous. Fortunately for Wales, their own autumn star, Josh Navidi, had a spring in his step and pilfered a penalty at a subsequent ruck. Phew. Had the Scots bothered the scorers on this early trip deep into Welsh territory then maybe we watch a different test match unfold. Maybe. As it were, a super read from Gareth Davies allowed him to pluck out a Scottish pass before its intended recipient and dash up the travelator to open Wales’ account. Geronimo. Minutes later, with Wales on the brink, Steff Evans failed to hold an Alun-Wyn offload. This time it was phew for the men in blue. At the ensuing scrum, Ali Price fai