Saints and England scrum-half, Ben Foden, believes that Owen Farrell has the potential to be a linchpin in Stuart Lancaster's squad for years to come. The youngster, who is the son of England coach, Andy, has impressed so far in the Six Nations, scoring points against Italy and the 'Auld Enemy', Scotland.
However, the Saracens fly-half faces stiff competition for his jersey from the rather more established duo of Manu Tuilagi and Toby Flood, the recent absence of which allowed Farrell to break into the England side. The two players will be in contention for a place in Lancaster's squad for the resumption of the Six Nations, in a fortnight. Those looking at the 2012 six nations winning odds at betfair.com need to bear this in mind.
England will play Wales on February 25, in what could prove to be one of the more interesting match-ups of the Six Nations, to date. The Reds will present England with an entirely different challenge from the two battles they have already fought; Wales are unbeaten, and one of the favourites to win the tournament overall.
Wales' strength could, ultimately, result in Farrell being dropped from the team sheet, as Lancaster looks to strengthen his squad with battle-hardened players, such as Tuilagi. Ben Foden, in support of Farrell, said that the 20-year-old has “come straight in and delivered”, but Tuilagi and Flood have “earned their spurs” already.
“He'll get better and better with every game he plays”, Foden added. “It’s amazing to think that 18 months ago he wasn’t really on the scene. He’s one of those guys who sort of grows into it.” The start of the Six Nations was Farrell's first-ever appearance in an England shirt; he would make his third cap, if selected for the Wales match. Fans of rugby winning odds at betfair should remember this.
Toby Flood, who was left out of England's fixture with Italy, at the weekend, despite being fit to play, is a natural replacement for Johnny Wilkinson at fly-half, while Tuilagi, at 17st, serves as a pacey 'battering ram' for England. Lancaster could opt to drop Charlie Hodgson to keep Farrell in the side, should he favour Tuilagi and Flood.
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