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England's undercooked Championship players defiant: 'It's not like we have been sat on a physio bed'
By PA
Owen Farrell insists England’s Saracens contingent will race out of the blocks when the Guinness Six Nations begins against Scotland at Twickenham on February 6.
Only Billy Vunipola has played since the triumphant Autumn Nations Cup final against France in early December, the number eight making one appearance in a second-tier competition.
Farrell, Maro Itoje, Jamie George, Mako Vunipola and Elliot Daly have been inactive, but England’s captain insists the time has been put to good use.
“We have seen it as an opportunity to get some good training under our belts,” Farrell said.
“Over the past few years we haven’t had much of an opportunity for a pre-season to get ourselves some good training. So this time has been massive.
“We’ve not been injured, we have been working hard off the field with pre-season stuff – running and gym – to make sure we are strong enough.
“Then we’ve had a ball in our hands. It’s not like we have been sat on a physio bed. We have been training for this.
“We are doing all we can do to be in the best position to cope with match fitness. We have 10 days to prepare and the rugby training comes into that.”
Head coach Eddie Jones views the opportunity to train without playing as invaluable.
“The Saracens boys, over the last five years, have played six seasons of rugby,” Jones said.
“For them to actually have a pre-season now is a God-send. They will come back in much better condition than they’d normally be in at this time of year.”
- Duncan Bech
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Latest Comments
It is unbelievable the slump in England's form since beating Ireland in last year's 6 N, and giving the AB's a good run for the money down in NZ. The Felix Jones walkout has been disastrous. What happened there we may never know.
The England backline has faltered too, scoring some great tries, but then also making bad mistakes, such as the one that led to the Kellaway try. I felt that out in NZ there was too much possession kicked away, and that has continued this autumn.
One does miss a lot in just watching the game once, and not going back and checking on "what really happened". That is where the analytical part of your articles are so illuminating, Nick.
Go to commentsYes - and plus points for hair diversity.
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