Benched Owen Farrell has France worried he will emerge as England match winner
Owen Farrell has France worried that he will emerge as England’s match winner despite not starting the game.
The two countries clash at Twickenham tonight in what amounts to a Six Nations title eliminator.
Marcus Smith has been given the keys to No.10 yet it is the benched Farrell, out to prove a point after being axed for the first time in eight years, who appears to bother the visitors.
France captain Antoine Dupont said: “Having Farrell's experience on the bench is invaluable. It's a massive asset.
“At this level, the final minutes of the game are very important so having Farrell come off the bench is great of them.”
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Dupont added that France expect England to lean towards the kicking game as both Smith and Farrell enjoy putting the opposition under pressure.
France captain Antoine Dupont (Adam Davy/PA Wire)“Smith knows how to do it, he might be more dangerous than Farrell,” said the scrum-half. “Farrell is better defensively, they have different profiles but can be complementary at the end of the game.”
Fabien Galthie warns that France will not give up their Six Nations crown without an almighty fight.
Defeat at Twickenham would almost certainly end Les Bleus' title hopes but boss Galthie said: “If you look at the table the Irish are top, but the uniqueness of this team and its identity is that it is unrelenting.
Changing of the guard: Smith takes over at 10 from Farrell (The RFU Collection via Getty Ima)“The competition is not over, we have the desire to not give the trophy up. If we look at our path for four years, and 33 matches, we’ve always battled to win games.
“In 90% of the cases we’ve done that. It was never easy but the team and the players have done the utmost to leave the least space possible for doubt.”
England have not lost at home to France in the Six Nations since 2005 and Galthie knows that can’t be by chance.
France coach Fabien Galthie (Adam Davy/PA Wire)“Twickenham is a temple of world rugby, where rugby was born,” he said. “Even if England aren’t performing well, they’re still part of the giants of world rugby, at the top of their level and their difficult moments.
“It’s what we find fantastic, what we love with them. We respect them because they’re rigorous, proud, when they sing God Save the King.”
Dupont agreed: “Just looking at their squad, you can see the quality, the experience... even if they aren't at their best. They have players who can play in the biggest moments and tomorrow is a big moment."
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