“It’s a privilege to play with Owen Farrell,” says Saracens Steve Borthwick
The 21-year-old fly-half endured a tough start to the season, with critics claiming his form had dipped below the standards of 2011.
But Farrell responded last week with a perfect kicking display at Harlequins, as Sarries ended the home side’s unbeaten start to the season.
Borthwick told The Rugby Paper: “Owen Farrell is one of the toughest men I know. He’s a fierce competitor and as strong as they come in terms of mental resolve.
“People will say what they want to say but I feel privileged to take the field with this guy.
“He’s a phenomenal leader and the way he handled the game against Harlequins was tactically brilliant. It was just another measure of the bloke.”
Farrell overshadowed the usually imperious Nick Evans, notching six penalties from six attempts to evoke memories of Jonny Wilkinson’s legendary accuracy.
Borthwick believes comparisons are unfair, but admits Farrell’s work-rate and dedication are up there alongside England’s 2003 World Cup-winning hero.
“It’s about finding your own way,” he said. “Jonny had his way of preparing and performing, and Owen will find his own way as well.
“But he’s one of the most dedicated people I have ever met and I see a bloke who will give his heart and soul to the team.
“He’s a competitive animal and he’s constantly driving to get the best performance possible for himself and those around him.
“That takes a lot of courage and with Owen you forget just how young he is. For someone that young to have that fierce resolve is spectacular.
“I’m very grateful he’s part of our squad, and the same will go for England.”
Farrell will be a key man for Saracens when they begin their Heineken Cup campaign with a tricky tie against Edinburgh on Saturday.
And Borthwick emphasises the importance of making a fast start to the competition.
He said: “What’s important is that we display the intensity that we pride ourselves on and the physicality that you need in the Heineken Cup.
“These big games are decided on small margins and we need to make sure that by Saturday we’re ready to play with intensity.
“We’ve learned a lot from our last two Heineken Cup campaigns, getting knocked out in the pool stage the first year but then reaching the quarter-finals.
“We lost to Clermont, but those experiences counts for an awful lot.”
NEALE HARVEY
