Rugby
Farrell starts against NZ
2012-11-29 13:01
London - Owen Farrell will be in direct
opposition to fellow world player of the year nominee Dan Carter after
being named as England's flyhalf against New Zealand at Twickenham on
Saturday.
Farrell has reclaimed the England No 10 shirt for the
first time in six Tests after Toby Flood was ruled out by a toe injury
he suffered in last weekend's 16-15 loss to South Africa.
The
inclusion of Farrell is the only change to England's starting XV, with
the place he held on the bench going to uncapped Gloucester flyhalf
Freddie Burns.
England coach Stuart Lancaster made one other
change among his replacements, recalling fit-again Northampton lock
Courtney Lawes in place of Mouritz Botha.
Farrell and former
winner Carter were two of the four men named on Wednesday on the shortlist
for the International Rugby Board's prestigious award, along with All
Blacks captain Richie McCaw - himself a previous multiple winner of the
prize - and France fly-half Frederic Michalak.
New Zealand named
their side earlier on Thursday with the world champions including Carter
following an Achilles injury, although he must still pass a late fitness
test.
The All Blacks are currently on a 20-match unbeaten run and
have won nine straight Tests against England since a 15-13 home loss
shortly before the Red Rose brigade lifted the 2003 World Cup in
Australia.
England, by contrast, are looking to finish 2012 with a
flourish following defeats this month by Australia (20-14) and South
Africa (16-15).
"We asked for a big response from the players
after Australia and we got one last Saturday against South Africa,
although ultimately we were denied," said Lancaster after naming his
team on Thursday.
"That frustration has been channelled this week
and the whole squad has reacted with a determination to get a victory
against the top team in the world."
Flood was the only member of
England's squad with over 50 caps and their starting XV on Saturday will
boast a combined total of just 206 Test appearances compared to New
Zealand's 788.
Farrell started in all five of England's Six
Nations matches this year, moving from inside centre to fly-half for the
defeat by Wales and the wins against France in Paris and Ireland at
Twickenham.
But he was dropped after England's first Test defeat
in South Africa in June and has since been Flood's deputy for the last
five internationals.
The 21-year-old Farrell even has to share flyhalf duties at club side Saracens with former England No 10 Charlie Hodgson.
However,
Lancaster has been impressed by the composure Farrell showed in coming
off the bench to help England draw 14-14 with the Springboks in the
third Test in Port Elizabeth in June, and when he replaced Flood early
in the second half last week and almost steered the side to victory from
16-6 down.
"I suppose it is a big ask for any 10 to play against
the best in the world," said Farrell's father Andy, the England
assistant coach.
"It is not a gamble. He is comfortable in the
environment. The lads are comfortable with him being there. He is in a
good place."
Injuries have restricted Lawes to just one England
appearance, off the bench, in 2012 while Burns has been in fine form for
Gloucester and is the leading points scorer in the English Premiership.
"We are delighted that Courtney has got an opportunity," Lancaster said.
"He has worked hard to get back in contention and what better game for him to make an impact?
"The
same with Freddie Burns, who has had a great Premiership season so far,
and we are looking forward to seeing him contribute should he get his
chance."
Teams:
England:15 Alex Goode, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Manu Tuilagi, 12 Brad Barritt, 11 Mike Brown, 10 Owen Farrell, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Ben Morgan, 7 Chris Robshaw (captain), 6 Tom Wood, 5 Geoff Parling, 4 Joe Launchbury, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Tom Youngs, 1 Alex Corbisiero
Substitutes: 16 David Paice, 17 David Wilson, 18 Mako Vunipola, 19 Courtney Lawes, 20 James Haskell, 21 Danny Care, 22 Freddie Burns, 23 Jonathan Joseph
New Zealand:
15 Israel Dagg, 14 Cory Jane, 13
Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Aaron
Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Liam Messam, 5 Sam
Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony
Woodcock
Substitutes: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Charlie
Faumuina, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Victor Vito, 21 Piri Weepu, 22 Aaron
Cruden, 23 Ben Smith