The highly anticipated Six Nations rugby tournament is approaching and England is set to face off against Ireland. However, the upcoming match isn’t just about securing a win for England, it’s also about the familial rivalry between England’s star player, Owen Farrell, and his father, who is the current head coach of Ireland. As both teams gear up for the highly anticipated match, the pressure is mounting for Farrell to lead England to victory and foil his father’s plans for Ireland. In this article, we’ll explore the history between the Farrells and what this match means for both teams.
England’s rugby team is planning on playing Owen Farrell from the start in Saturday’s Six Nations finale against Ireland in Dublin, despite concerns about a possible ankle injury sustained in training this week. If he doesn’t make it, however, Marcus Smith is expected to take his place. England’s position is worsened by the fact that squad captain Farrell, also currently with Saracens, is set to face a grand slam-chasing Ireland side coached by his father, Andy.
Following a record 53-10 defeat to France, England will be looking to atone for their performance with an improved effort this time around. Restoring some collective pride will be the order of the day. Manu Tuilagi and Henry Slade are also set to be reunited in midfield. Tuilagi has not appeared in the tournament to date but is back from suspension and it is hoped that he will fill the gap left by Ollie Lawrence’s hamstring injury. Pairing Tuilagi and Slade offers a nice midfield balance of power and playmaking skills, which has contributed to their five tries between them during previous tournaments.
David Ribbans is also set to feature in the second row, due to the injury of Ollie Chessum. At 20-years-old, Henry Arundell is thought to be in line to start a Test for the first time, in place of Max Malins. England will need their forwards to provide a more robust platform than they did against France, and the team will confirm their line-up on Thursday afternoon in Dublin.
As we approach the final round of Six Nations 2021, the stakes are higher than ever. England is set to face Ireland, and one of the most intriguing storylines is the potential clash between Owen Farrell and his father, Andy Farrell, who is coaching the Irish team. It remains to be seen whether Owen will be able to foil his father and lead England to victory, but one thing is certain – this match will be one for the history books. As always, the Six Nations has provided us with drama, excitement, and boundless passion for the sport. We can’t wait to see what unfolds on the pitch this weekend.
