22 February 2023 , 09:00
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Owen Farrell has voiced sympathy with Wales players weighing up whether or not to give his England team a game.
The Red Rose skipper insists his players are fully focused on ending a run of three straight Principality Stadium defeats on Saturday.
But as England welcomed vice-captain Courtney Lawes back into camp and called up Ben Curry to replace his re-injured twin brother Tom, Farrell put hostilities to one side to empathise with fellow professionals.
“From what I’ve heard, yeah (I sympathise),” said the Saracens star. “I know quite a lot of them and I’m sure they’re not being unreasonable with what they’re asking for.
“I don’t think they’re like that. To be in this situation is obviously not very pleasing for them but, as I say, I can’t imagine they are being unreasonable, I’m sure they are doing the right thing by them.”
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Farrell has little doubt the row will fire up the feuding Dragons, who could well face England in the World Cup later this year.
Liam Williams scores during Wales' win over England in the last Six Nations meeting in Cardiff (PA)“I’m sure anyone who is going through a bit of adversity tries to use it and bring themselves closer together,” he said. “I think that’ll be the case here.”
But defence coach Kevin Sinfield moved quickly to dial down the noise surrounding Wales - pointing to what Warren Gatland's side will be up against, assuming they agree to play.
Sinfield said: “We’ve had a lot of talk about galvanising this week, but we’ve got a pretty committed and determined team ourselves.
Farrell on duty at the Principality Stadium two years ago (The RFU Collection via Getty Ima)“We look forward to the challenge this weekend, will control what we control, and all that outside noise we’ll shut away.
“The guys have been outstanding the last couple of days, and we’re looking forward to Saturday. We’ll leave it to other people to make the noise.”
Sinfield insists selection remains a week by week matter and that releasing Ben Earl and George Ford, among others, from duty this week does not mean they won’t be involved against France in round four.
England defence coach Kevin Sinfield (Dan Mullan - RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)But there is no hiding his delight at the return of Lawes, who captained England with distinction on tour last summer before injury sidelined him.
“To have him back in training has been great,” said the rugby league great. “You guys know what we think about him. It’s great to have him back.
“Aside from his playing ability, he gets more out of the players around him. There aren't that many players in world rugby who have that influence across a team.”
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England - Forwards: Chessum, Cole, B Curry, Dombrandt, Genge, George, Isiekwe, Itoje, Lawes, Ludlam, Sinckler, M Vunipola, Walker, Willis. Backs: Arundell, Farrell, Lawrence, Malins, Marchant, Mitchell, Murley, Slade, Smith, Steward, Van Poortvliet, Watson.