England v New Zealand: Farrell issues backing for captain Robshaw
England v New Zealand: Saracens fly-half Owen Farrell issues his backing for Red Rose skipper Chris Robshaw
Owen Farrell has issued his support for under-fire England captain Chris Robshaw ahead of the Red Rose’s clash against world champions New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday.
The 21-year-old Farrell has been drafted into Stuart Lancaster’s starting line-up after Toby Flood was ruled out of the All Blacks clash with a toe injury.
Robshaw received heavy criticism for his decision to kick for goal in the final moments of England’s 16-15 loss to South Africa.
But the Saracens fly-half refused to brand Robshaw’s decision a blunder and backed the Harlequins star’s leadership qualities.
“I would never challenge his decision,” Farrell told BBC Sport.
“No, he’s definitely the boss. I’m just trying to give an input on the game, and where we are and what’s happening in the game.
“I think that’s what most captains want. Unfortunately, I was on the other side of the pitch, and maybe it was a bit too late.”
He added: “I think it was a difficult situation, because the ball was on the other side of the pitch, and I was fighting to get the ball back and get it over to where the penalty was made.
“Maybe once the penalty was given, we thought we had time left on the clock.
“But then we have to get on with it. We back our captain’s decision. It wasn’t the right or wrong decision. We’ve just got to make sure the next job is done well, and unfortunately we didn’t do that.”
