By Oscar Reilly, Rugby Writer
Ever since the “glory days” of 2003, England have struggled to find a consistent, long-term fly half to fill the boots of Johnny Wilkinson.
Arguably England’s best player, Owen Farrell, is a fly half by trade, yet has played just 3 of his last 29 test matches at 10. While he may still be the general of the English backline, Eddie Jones seems fixated on keeping Farrell at inside centre for the foreseeable future, which begs the question, who should start inside him?
For the last few campaigns the man entrusted with this role has been George Ford. Pundits and fans alike have questioned Ford’s temperament in big games, and admittedly he has struggled at points when the going gets tough. While his skill is undeniable, his form is erratic, and this is not a good trait in the starting fly half for an England team going into a World Cup year.
His defence has improved, but is still not as good as it should be. Nevertheless, Ford played very well on the weekend against Newcastle, and will hopefully be hitting a bit of form in time for the Autumn Internationals, which he will surely play a part in.
Another feasible option is Danny Cipriani. The Gloucester fly half’s brilliant yet unpredictable style of play has already brought about 2 of the seasons highlights in 2 weeks, with exceptional passes setting up Charlie Sharples and Matt Banahan in consecutive matches. Cipriani’s shortcoming is similar to Ford’s, as sometimes he attempts to be the match winner when the right option is to go through the phases.
His temperament, however, has improved a great deal and he is not the kamikaze style player that he perhaps was a few seasons ago. Nevertheless, it seems unlikely that Cipriani would start in November, but could still play some part in the games from a bench spot.
While there are other good fly-halves in England playing some decent rugby at the moment, I believe the only other option for Jones is to move Farrell back to 10. Farrell moved to centre when England were having real issues with who to pick there, but those problems are no longer present with the likes of Henry Slade, Ben Te’o and Manu Tuilagi all present to fight it out for the 12 shirt, and assuming Jonathan Joseph returns to fitness and form he will reclaim his 13 shirt.
For now, we will assume Jones will continue to pick Farrell at 12, and therefore the man to start against South Africa should be Ford as he has the most experience in recent times. But if things do not change, and England continue their disappointing year, Jones will have to consider moving Farrell back to his natural position.
Ever since the “glory days” of 2003, England have struggled to find a consistent, long-term fly half to fill the boots of Johnny Wilkinson.
Arguably England’s best player, Owen Farrell, is a fly half by trade, yet has played just 3 of his last 29 test matches at 10. While he may still be the general of the English backline, Eddie Jones seems fixated on keeping Farrell at inside centre for the foreseeable future, which begs the question, who should start inside him?
For the last few campaigns the man entrusted with this role has been George Ford. Pundits and fans alike have questioned Ford’s temperament in big games, and admittedly he has struggled at points when the going gets tough. While his skill is undeniable, his form is erratic, and this is not a good trait in the starting fly half for an England team going into a World Cup year.
His defence has improved, but is still not as good as it should be. Nevertheless, Ford played very well on the weekend against Newcastle, and will hopefully be hitting a bit of form in time for the Autumn Internationals, which he will surely play a part in.
Another feasible option is Danny Cipriani. The Gloucester fly half’s brilliant yet unpredictable style of play has already brought about 2 of the seasons highlights in 2 weeks, with exceptional passes setting up Charlie Sharples and Matt Banahan in consecutive matches. Cipriani’s shortcoming is similar to Ford’s, as sometimes he attempts to be the match winner when the right option is to go through the phases.
Cipriani has settled quickly into life at Kingsholm
While there are other good fly-halves in England playing some decent rugby at the moment, I believe the only other option for Jones is to move Farrell back to 10. Farrell moved to centre when England were having real issues with who to pick there, but those problems are no longer present with the likes of Henry Slade, Ben Te’o and Manu Tuilagi all present to fight it out for the 12 shirt, and assuming Jonathan Joseph returns to fitness and form he will reclaim his 13 shirt.
The debate as to where Owen Farrell should play for England has been talked about since his 2012 debut at outside centre
For now, we will assume Jones will continue to pick Farrell at 12, and therefore the man to start against South Africa should be Ford as he has the most experience in recent times. But if things do not change, and England continue their disappointing year, Jones will have to consider moving Farrell back to his natural position.
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