09 February 2023 , 11:55
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Owen Farrell hailed the X-factor talent of Henry Arundell as England’s boy wonder was lined up for his Six Nations debut on Sunday.
The 20-year old with the showreel to die for is set for a Twickenham role against Italy after just 30 minutes of club rugby since foot surgery.
Ahead of Sunday’s game, Farrell made no attempt to hide his admiration for London Irish’s strike weapon, likening his talent to that of cross-code legend Jason Robinson.
The England captain said: “I remember growing up, watching Wigan, and then into rugby union, every time Jason Robinson got the ball, something would happen.
"I'm not comparing him, but he's got a bit of that about him, Henry. He’s got everything when it comes to a running game.
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“People have speed, strength, can ride tackles, feet - well, usually people have one maybe two of them. He’s got it all.”
Arundell blasted his way into Farrell’s conscience when going the length of the field for a stunning try against Toulon in France last season.
The video went viral and Eddie Jones broke the habit of a lifetime by picking a player everyone was raving about to tour Australia.
Jason Robinson scores for England against Australia in the final of 2003 Rugby World Cup (Getty Images)Arundell responded by scoring in spectacular fashion with his first touch in his first Test match - evoking memories of Robinson’s first Test try for the 2001 Lions, also against Australia.
Farrell added: “When you watch him, and I watched him play for London Irish and saw that unbelievable try he scored against Toulon, you think ‘brilliant’.
“Then he comes on the Australia tour and he was doing that in training every other day. When he got the ball in his own 22 and he was against you, you were thinking: 'Anything could happen here.
“There are not too many people who do that, who put everyone on the edge of their seat when they get the ball. He is one.”
Owen Farrell hailed his England team-mate ahead of the fixture vs Italy (The RFU Collection via Getty Images)With Anthony Watson released back to Leicester last night, Arundell is expected to take his place on the bench with a view to unleashing him when the game breaks up.
Kevin Sinfield was playing his cards close to his chest but his observation that “Henry is super talented and very, very gifted” hinted strongly at England’s intentions.
“I’ve been mightily impressed by how he’s gone about his business,” added the defence coach. “The coaching team informed me about what he’s been in like in camp previously and on the summer tour.
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Farrell and Marcus Smith in midfield for England against Scotland last week (David Rogers/Getty Images)“We’ve got a real talent on our hands. Owen would know him better than I do but I’ve really enjoyed working with him so far.”
Arundell won’t be the only addition to the matchday squad beaten by Scotland with Jack Willis, who wrecked his knee in this fixture two years ago, set to replace Ben Curry in the back row.
Ben Youngs’ demotion means scrum-half Alex Mitchell is in line for only his second cap off the bench.