ENGLAND ASSISTANT COACH Andy Farrell has denied suggestions that he had a major influence on the selection of his son Owen at out-half in the two recent World Cup defeats to Wales and Australia.
Head coach Stuart Lancaster had previously backed George Ford as the tactical leader of his side in the 10 shirt, but dropped the Bath man before the pivotal tie with Wales two weekends ago.
There has been a suggestion that assistant coach Farrell had a major say in the decision, as well as the inclusion of former rugby league star Sam Burgess in the World Cup squad, but Farrell firmly stated that Lancaster is the man with the final say.
Four of us as coaches get together and have a selection meeting. You put your two pennies worth in and Stuart makes the call and we all buy into that,” said Lancaster yesterday. “It’s unanimous.”
Lancaster’s position has come under serious pressure after England’s two defeats at Twickenham ensured they will be the first World Cup host nation not to advance from the pool stages.
The English press has almost unanimously called for Lancaster to be relieved of his duties, despite his contract running until 2020. Unsurprisingly, Farrell has defended the head coach.
“I think what Stuart has built here is more than those two defeats,” said Farrell. “Three and a half years under Stuart has been built on solid foundations. He has done marvellous things for this country and this rugby team. He is the hardest working Englishman that I have ever met.”
“We have had some big wins and some losses on the way. But Stuart has an ability to put things in place and bring a meaning to the shirt. It has been a privilege to work for such a caring guy.
“There is devastation in the camp. We feel we have let everybody down. We know it is devastating for all concerned. All the people have worked really hard in the last 14 weeks. Stuart had a chat with the guys this morning. We have got to man up.”
England play their final World Cup game against Uruguay on Saturday in Manchester, a complete and utter dead rubber, and Farrell says he is unsure what lies beyond that fixture for Lancaster and his coaching team.
The process will take its place and will be taken out of our hands,” said Farrell. “This team is a young team and it will go places and win trophies. We all want to be part of that but it is out of our hands.”
“We have got to man up. Hopefully I can learn from this, hope in the future that I can say I got better from those dark days. We are all privy to a review, everyone.”
