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Owen Farrell vs Finn Russell: The Calcutta Cup's potentially decisive head-to-head battle
By PA
England and Scotland clash in the Guinness Six Nations at Twickenham on Saturday when Owen Farrell and Finn Russell will look to lay down markers for the role of British and Irish Lions Test fly-half.
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The rivals offer different skill-sets that have pros and cons and each will view the Calcutta Cup showdown as a chance to impress Warren Gatland in the event the series against South Africa, scheduled for the summer, does not fall to coronavirus. Here, the PA news agency looks at how they shape up.
OWEN FARRELL
Point of difference: A ferocious competitor and the England talisman, Farrell is the heartbeat of Eddie Jones’ team. An outstanding goal-kicker and accomplished playmaker.
Weakness: The will to win can spill over into indiscipline at times, in particular leading to rash tackles. Now less inclined to get involved in niggles, but his communication with referees is still too forceful. Will also be coming into this Saturday’s game without having played a match of any kind since the December 6 Nations Cup final win.
Lions verdict: The favourite for the Lions fly-half duties against the Springboks because of his generalship and presence. Lacks Russell’s imagination but farrell is more dependable in pressure-cooker moments such as the Six Nations.
The Scottish player England sound really worried about #GuinnessSixNationshttps://t.co/OlRONbtMsr
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) February 2, 2021
FINN RUSSELL
Point of difference: Probably the game’s most inventive player with a box of tricks that can unlock any defence. Possesses a range of passing and a short kicking game to terrify any defence.
Weakness: As with any maverick, the genius that makes him so dangerous can also lead to wayward moments when the execution fails to match the vision. Game-management is a focus for improvement.
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Lions verdict: To choose Russell as ringmaster would be a bold declaration of attacking intent as there is no fly-half better at igniting a back line, but there might be a cost to pay in cohesion. A riskier option.
John Mitchell has revisited the 2000 sliding doors moment that cost him 2003 World Cup glory with England
https://t.co/vqmUfm104s— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) February 3, 2021