Borthwick told of three ready-to-go replacements for Farrell as England captain
Steve Borthwick has been told he has three ready-to-go replacements for Owen Farrell as England captain.
The Red Rose boss is in search of a new skipper following Farrell’s decision to sidestep the upcoming Six Nations to prioritise his mental well being.
In his absence George Ford, Jamie George and Maro Itoje are among the contenders to wear the armband when England return to action for the first time since the World Cup.
By coincidence the three join Farrell on the same pitch on Friday when Premiership leaders Sale take on Saracens in a repeat of last season’s grand final.
Sale fly-half Ford goes head to head with Farrell, with George and Itoje also in the visitors’ ranks, and Sharks boss Alex Sanderson is backing his man.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
“George is one of the best leaders I’ve had the privilege of working with and that includes the Owen Farrells, Maro Itojes and Jamie Georges,” he said.
George, George Ford and Ben Youngs share a joke on England duty in August (Getty Images)“He’s exceptionally emotionally intelligent. He can put across his messages really efficiently, which is difficult. He’s demanding in terms of standards without being oppressive and autocratic.
“I think he’s ready for it. He’s a massive leader for us. I think he can fill those boots in a different style to what Faz did.”
Borthwick values the judgement of long-time pal Sanderson but also has massive respect for Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall who insists: “Both Jamie and Maro would be very, very good England captains.
Owen Farrell, pictured with Red Rose boss Steve Borthwick, has elected to sit out this season's Six Nations“They are different in the way they go about things but they have both been part of the leadership group at Saracens for a very long time.”
George is 33 but McCall said: “Age is only ever a factor if you lose your competitive spirit and Jamie hasn’t lost his, far from it.
“He is still hugely ambitious and wants to achieve things with both club and country. Once you have that fire still burning I don’t think his age is going to be one of the issues.”
Maro Itoje is another contender for England captaincy in Farrell's absence (Getty Images)Newcastle’s hopes of ending their nightmare before Christmas has been hit by travel hell getting out of South Africa.
Alex Codling’s Falcons play at home to Bristol on Friday desperate to break a run of 10 straight defeats which leaves them propping up both the Premiership and their European pool.
Their chances of upsetting Pat Lam’s Bears have not been improved by a 32-hour journey back from Johannesburg, where they played on Saturday.
Everton chiefs face transfer backlash from fans after deadline day disaster
“The team’s flight was cancelled on Sunday and they have had to now get three flights back,” said Codling. “From Johannesburg to Cape Town, Cape Town to Heathrow and Heathrow to Newcastle.
“It is just another challenge to what is the toughest run I have ever had as a coach. What do I want for Christmas? Just a win would be nice.”
Codling, in his first season with Toon, admits the delayed return will have an impact on preparations. Their first training session today (Wed) comes two days before the Kingston Park clash.
“The boys are desperate to win in front of a big crowd on Friday night,” he said, adding that Guy Pepper and Mateo Carreras could both be available. “We just have to keep working hard.”
World Cup winner RG Snyman , a long-time target of Bath, has confirmed he will leave Munster for Irish rivals Leinster in a big-money deal.
“After careful consideration of all offers presented, the Leinster opportunity was the one I decided on,” said the South African lock, whose semi-final try denied England a place in the World Cup final.
“It is an invitation that allows me to continue to stay part of a world class high performance rugby set-up. It also enables my wife and I to stay in Ireland.”
Bath have now missed out on two world class players following the decision of Henry Arundell to reject a move to the Rec in favour of a new deal in Paris with Racing 92.
Former Bristol fly-half Felipe Contepom i has been named Argentina head coach in succession to Michael Cheika.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
