Anthony Watson believes Owen Farrell could be the missing piece England desperately need.
This in light of a high-stakes clash against the Springboks at Ellis Park on 4 July.
With England searching for answers after a bruising Six Nations campaign, Watson has made it clear that England need to bring Farrell back.
“Should he be part of things in South Africa or at least offered the opportunity to be? 100 per cent,” said the former England star.
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Farrell, England’s record points scorer, has not featured in Test rugby since stepping away after the 2023 World Cup to focus on his family’s well-being. While he briefly returned for the British and Irish Lions in Australia, he has remained absent from the England setup during a period in which the team has struggled for identity.
And with the Springboks looming, Watson sees no reason to leave him out.
“Fitness aside, I didn’t think there is a playing reason for him to not be in the squad. Historically England have played some of their best games with him at 12 and the 12 position is probably the only one which hasn’t been nailed down by anyone yet.”
It’s a position that could prove crucial against the physical intensity of South Africa, where control, composure and experience are non-negotiable.
“For me, Owen is someone who could slot into that 12 shirt immediately and be unshakeable,” Watson added.
“He could provide the gel to that backline, become the final nailed-on England backline player. Then, I would argue, they have one of the top-three backlines in the world.”
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Whether Farrell is willing or whether England coach Steve Borthwick has already made the call, remains unclear. The alternatives at inside centre include Seb Atkinson, Fraser Dingwall and Max Ojomoh, but none carry Farrell’s proven pedigree.
At 34, questions linger over whether his best days are behind him. But Watson isn’t having it.
“If there’s one man you don’t count out, it’s Owen Farrell,” he said.
“I don’t know how long he intends playing on for, but a squad with Owen Farrell in is better than one without him. Your chances of winning silverware improved drastically with him around.”
Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images
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