"Disgusting example" - Owen Farrell's captaincy style splits opinions online
Rugby NewsSunday, 15 October 2023 at 19:08
Owen Farrell has faced criticism for his interactions with referee Mathieu Raynal during England's World Cup quarter-final match against Fiji.
The England captain was heard repeatedly raising his voice at the match official over the referee's microphone during the full 80 minutes of play.
While it's within his role as captain to communicate with the referee, some fans expressed concerns about the manner in which he spoke, while others were inspired by his evident passion.
Rugby scribe Neil Fissler wrote: "Could Owen Farrell just accept one referees decision without a question or facial expression during this World Cup."
One fan wrote: "Whether he is a good player or not Farrell is a first class plum. Screaming at the Ref like a massive spoiled baby has no place in this game."
A second said: "What is it with Owen Farrell, Dan Biggar and Johnny Sexton shouting at referees? Do they have no respect? You don't see Mo'unga, Barrett, Pollard and Libbok doing that.:
Another commented: "Farrell screaming 'he slapped' is just embarrassing!"
"Farrell is seriously like a petulant child. ‘He slapped him, he slapped him’ , he cries like a 10year old . If I was coach, I’d take him off." wrote a fourth.
"The way that Farrell and some other English players are shouting at the referee is a disgusting example to any kids watching!" said another.
In defence of Farrell, one fan wrote: "Lots of vitriol toward Owen Farrell. He’s the capt (whether you like it or not) it’s literally in his job description to talk to the referee!"
Owen Farrell interview:
Join our Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community
Join our Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community for all the latest news direct to your phone.
To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is choose which community you want to join, click on the link and press 'join community'.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the RUCK team.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
"Need more" - Three changes Steve Borthwick should make for Rugby World Cup semi-final
Below, we look at three possible changes head coach Steve Borthwick could make for the semi-final in Paris next weekend.
#1. Marcus Smith
Telegraph 5/10: "Lord he was in the wars. Whether having Semi Radradra bouncing him in the tackle, Josua Tuisova ragdolling him, or going for an HIA, Smith showed huge heart. Jury out whether he will stay at full back for the semi-final."
Rugby Pass 6.5/10: "Picked for just his second start in the full-back position, he worked well with some early ball but got caught on a run from inside his own half with England 8-0 up and that turnover resulted in a missed Fijian shot at the posts. Soon took a smack to the head from the yellow-carded Vinaya Habosi on a carry in the lead-up to the Marchant try. Returned to resume playing a very capable part in the win despite the need for further on-pitch running repairs."
Planet Rugby 6/10: "As Steve Borthwick predicted, Fiji didn’t test his aerial skills, but Smith didn’t really cut loose. Conceded one penalty when trying to counter, but he did mop up well at times and that extra pair of eyes helped Owen Farrell."
Replacement: Freddie Steward
#2. Jonny May
Telegraph 6/10: "This is his Last Dance and he emptied the tank, making his presence known at the breakdown. Missed a couple of tackles but also pulled off a couple of ankle taps."
Rugby Pass 6/10: "Wasn’t noticed much in the opening half until his pressure resulted in the lineout that helped give England the territory and a subsequent penalty for their 21-10 interval lead. Another chase-down was also crucial to England’s opening second-half penalty unselfish work he must be commended for. Exited on 65 minutes."
Planet Rugby 6/10: "Does a job but not the pace of old to really be a threat. England need more out wide for them to challenge their opponents next weekend."
Replacement: Henry Arundell
Jonny May of England (Gloucester Rugby) during the an England Rugby Training session at the Brighton College, Sussex on the 19th June 2023 - PHOTO: Micah Crook/PPAUK
#3. Dan Cole
Planet Rugby 5/10: "Didn’t make any impact in the scrum, which will concern Borthwick looking ahead to next week. When Cole is not doing that, he offers very little else."
Express 6/10: "Must have thought his England days were done after the 2019 World Cup final but four years on he is still doing his team-first thing."
Replacement: Kyle Sinckler
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
Loading
