• Home
  • /
  • Rugby
  • /
  • Mike Brown Believes That Owen Farrell Should Be Dropped By England

Mike Brown Believes That Owen Farrell Should Be Dropped By England

Mike Brown Believes That Owen Farrell Should Be Dropped By England
Gary Connaughton
By Gary Connaughton
Share this article

While Ireland would have their own disastrous start to the championship on Sunday afternoon, there is no doubt that the biggest shock of the opening weekend of the Six Nations was Scotland's victory over England at Twickenham.

Eddie Jones' side entered the game as no only heavy favourites against the Scots, but for the tournament as whole. What unfolded was 80 minutes of drama packed action and a game that Scotland thoroughly deserved to win.

Gregor Townsend's team have been rightly praised for the improvements they have made in the aftermath of the result, while there are also serious questions are now being asked of England.

Their risk averse game plan had served them well in recent times, but it was clear they had no backup plan in the face of adversity on Saturday evening.

Recommended

Some are now calling for major changes ahead of their game against Italy at the weekend, including Mike Brown. Writing in the Daily Mail, the former England fullback said he believes that captain Owen Farrell should be dropped from the side in order to facilitate a more attacking approach centred around George Ford.

Eddie Jones talks about giving the English rugby public something to smile about in the current climate but people can't be enjoying this England. His side have some brilliant outside backs and it is time to use them.

Next weekend could be time for a change and I would put Owen Farrell on the bench and start with George Ford against Italy on Saturday.

Compared to his usual high standards Farrell was poor at Twickenham, with England wasting four-man overlaps and kicking the ball away. Enough is enough now and I would give Ford a chance to show how he can lead the backs.

I would rather see England get some of their dangerous players into the match and give them a chance to express themselves — I don't enjoy watching kick-chase all the time and I am sure people at home don't either...

England can't just keep saying they are winning games on the back of the current game plan. Now that they have lost, Ford deserves to start and I would like to see him line up against the Italians with the rest of the back line that played on Saturday.

Farrell was certainly well off the pace against Scotland, although that could also be said about a number of his teammates.

Those playing their club rugby at recently relegated Saracens seemed to especially struggle, perhaps no surprise when you consider that the Championship season has yet to get underway.

It will be interesting to see what changes, if any, Eddie Jones opts to make over the remainder of the Six Nations.

Advertisement

SEE ALSO: Ronan O'Gara Believes Billy Burns Will Retain Place For France Game

ronan o'gara billy burns kick ireland wales

Join The Monday Club Have a tip or something brilliant you wanted to share on? We're looking for loyal Balls readers free-to-join members club where top tipsters can win prizes and Balls merchandise

Processing your request...

You are now subscribed!

Share this article

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Developed by Square1 and powered by PublisherPlus.com

Advertisement