England v Wales - How can I hate the English, Owen Farrell’s one

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 greatest on field asset. English Rugby League had not only lost their God, but also Jesus.

When Owen Farrell entered the international fold at the beginning of Stuart Lancaster’s reign, it wasn’t too difficult for this Welsh fan to take a disliking to him. Seemingly a traditional English kicking ten, brimming with confidence and of course the locked on goal kicking stare. Whether I knew it or not, the main reason for my being anti-faz was that he was and is bloody good. Jealous. Admits it.

Call it maturity, but as the years passed, I grew to appreciate the work of the Saracens play maker. What’s the point in being a Rugby fan if you let loyalty prevent you from admiring a player with Farrell’s ever expanding skill set. He has long since shaken off that kick and clap label that us green Welsh fans had plastered to him.

Then came last Summer’s Lions tour to New Zealand, which incidentally collided with me finding emojis. My admiration for a great player evolved to 😍😍😍. Farrell’s axis with perhaps the only man who rivals him in the relentless pursuit of victory, Jonny Sexton, was at the heart of The Lions’ turnaround between test one and two. That and an SBW shoulder charge to Anthony Watson’s head. Be it an intricate runaround play, or the two of them aggressively demanding more from each other and their comrades, their combination was a joy to behold. 

Whether it is derived from nature or nurture, Farrell’s competitive nature is inspiring. You know, the type of player that drives you the fan to your feet and makes your monotone shout of Lions, Lions, Lions that decibel louder. In all seriousness, that ruthless desire to win, is like a magnet for the supporter. Oh, and that goal kicking performance in windy Wellington. Wowzer. 

So then to today, England v Wales at Twickenham. A relationship tester. Farrell, will no doubt want to be the appropriate agent that manifests a righteous infliction of retribution on the Welsh. I hope he flakes, like the pastry of a pie from his home town. Unlikely. 

Enjoy.