Thursday March 14, 2013
Farrell: English will rise against fiery Welsh dragon
England's Tom Wood catches the ball in a line-out during the Six Nations match against Italy at Twickenham on Sunday- England won 18-11. - AFP LONDON: Assistant coach Andy Farrell says England have proved in recent months that they have what it takes to prevail against Wales in Saturday’s Six Nations decider in Cardiff.
England, gunning for their first Grand Slam in a decade, face a Wales team who have swept all before them three times in that period, including in last year’s championship.
However, Farrell believes the experience England gained in the draw against South Africa last June and the subsequent 38-21 defeat of New Zealand at Twickenham in December will stand them in good stead.
“When we have had a challenge thrown at us, we have responded,” Farrell said.
“It is the ultimate test to go there and win, but it is where we want to be.
“Wales have been there and done it. They have been a tremendous side over the years. They have a lot of experience and won Grand Slams.
“It is going to be a tremendous challenge because experience should come through. You would expect trophies to go with the experience.
“We don’t mind a bit of adversity. It is where we have been good in our short time together.
“Experience has to start somewhere and we have to be challenging to win our first trophy.”
Farrell singled out the memorable win over world champions New Zealand – which followed back-to-back losses to Australia and South Africa – as proof that England need fear no-one.
“What pleased me most about that win was the adversity of us losing the two games before it and the pressure it put on us,” he said.
“The performance that came out of that showed a team that isn’t going to fold under pressure.” — AFP
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