Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Rugby World Cup: George Ford & Owen Farrell selection dilemma 'really nice problem' for England

Written by 
Published in Rugby
Tuesday, 12 September 2023 08:49

Working out how best to deploy George Ford and Owen Farrell is a "really nice problem to have", according to England attack coach Richard Wigglesworth.

Ford, 30, produced a performance for the ages to steer the side to a 27-10 win against Argentina.

Matt Dawson, a World Cup winner in 2003, said Ford was "in complete control" with Farrell suspended.

"We've got three top international quality 10s," Wigglesworth told BBC Sport.

"And I know, and we know, that will always end up in a talking point because there is always going to be someone missing out who is definitely good enough to be playing international rugby, and playing it really well and running the team."

Farrell will also miss England's second pool match, against Japan in Nice on Sunday, but will be available for the following game against Chile on 23 September.

Wigglesworth says "all things will definitely be considered" when it comes to selecting England's playmaking axis, with Marcus Smith the third fly-half in the squad.

England could opt to pick one of Ford or Farrell at number 10 when the latter returns from his ban, or play Ford and Farrell together in the midfield.

"I understand the question, completely, but until we get there, until we are sat in the situation of going: 'What is best for the team and what is best for the opposition we are playing?'... then we will cross that bridge when we come to it," Wigglesworth added.

"I don't think there is much point in us worrying about it before we've got those decisions about what is best for the team."

Ford will wear 10 against Japan this weekend, with England needing to make at least one change to the starting XV with Tom Curry suspended for two games.

The flanker was sent off after three minutes following a clash of heads with Argentina full-back Juan Cruz Mallia, and was sanctioned at a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday.

However, England do have the option of bringing number eight Billy Vunipola into the back row following his two-week ban for a dangerous tackle in the warm-up game against Ireland.

"Billy looks great, he trained today and is back and available," Wigglesworth confirmed.

Former England lock George Kruis was part of the coaching team in Le Touquet on Tuesday, assisting head coach Steve Borthwick on line-outs.

Wigglesworth says the players are "rightly proud" of their performance against the Pumas, but acknowledges they need to develop a sharper cutting edge in attack if they are to go deep into the tournament, having relied on Ford's boot to build a score in Marseille.

"The lads are desperate to get it right. There were opportunities on the weekend that they identified, and they went for, but what you want to do is create the line breaks to create tries," he said.

"We know we are going to have to convert some opportunities as games go on."

Read 183 times

Soccer

Szczesny on smoking: Don't follow my example

Szczesny on smoking: Don't follow my example

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBarcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny told ESPN he has lost his ba...

Barcelona's Szczesny: Outspoken, unorthodox, on course for his best-ever season

Barcelona's Szczesny: Outspoken, unorthodox, on course for his best-ever season

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBARCELONA -- Wojciech Szczesny wouldn't have believed you if you'd...

Source: Bayern's Müller rejects Cincinnati offer

Source: Bayern's Müller rejects Cincinnati offer

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBayern Munich midfielder/forward Thomas Müller has rejected a contr...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

The fishing ad that foreshadowed this incredible resurgence from Kawhi Leonard

The fishing ad that foreshadowed this incredible resurgence from Kawhi Leonard

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe video Kawhi Leonard released across social media on Dec. 27 was...

Mavs coach Kidd joins Everton ownership group

Mavs coach Kidd joins Everton ownership group

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNBA Hall of Famer and Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has jo...

Baseball

Twins' Lewis ready to start rehab assignment

Twins' Lewis ready to start rehab assignment

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis will begin...

Nats activate All-Star Abrams off injured list

Nats activate All-Star Abrams off injured list

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsWASHINGTON -- All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams rejoined the Nationals f...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated