Rugby World Cup: 'There's a place for them both' - Chris Ashton on Steve Borthwick's George Ford-Owen Farrell dilemma
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Updated 22/09/2023 at 21:30 GMT
Captain Owen Farrell is back in England's starting XV after serving his suspension and will lead the team against Chile in the Rugby World Cup on Saturday. The decision by coach Steve Borthwick has sparked a debate after George Ford's starring displays in Farrell's absence. Chris Ashton feels Ford should be England's first-choice 10, but says there is also a role in the team for Farrell.
Owen Farrell and George Ford of England speak in the changing room at full-time following the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between England and Argentina at Stade Velodrome on September 09, 2023 in Marseille, France.
Image credit: Getty Images
Chris Ashton feels England can accommodate Owen Farrell and George Ford in the same team, but says the latter should play at fly-half.
England began their Rugby World Cup campaign without captain Farrell due to suspension for the red card he picked up in the warm-up game against Wales.
Ford was handed the starting spot for the World Cup opener with Argentina, and produced a kicking masterclass in a 27-10 win.
While his kicking game stood out against Argentina, Ford showed his match-management skills in the victory over Japan as he dictated the pace of play.
Farrell was a frustrated spectator from the sidelines, but is now clear of his ban and has been handed a starting spot for the game against Chile on Saturday by coach Steve Borthwick.
The Saracens star will start in his preferred No. 10 shirt, with Ford on the bench.
Even if Ford is perhaps being rested, Borthwick’s decision has sparked debate, with Ashton feeling Ford should be England’s No. 10 - with Farrell filling one of the roles at centre.
“I think there is a place for them both,” former England winger Ashton said on TNT Sports’ coverage of the Premiership Rugby Cup clash between Gloucester and Harlequins.
”That’s how we got to the last World Cup final, with George and Owen at 10 and 12. I do think we will see it again, maybe in the next few weeks.
“But George has been our best 10, he is the No. 1 10 we have at the moment.
“We have got to get Owen minutes. We have got find a way to make it work for England.”
Borthwick has time to shuffle his options for the rest of the group stage, but Ashton said if the match with Chile was a knockout encounter, Ford should start at 10.
“I would go George, just because he has been so good,” Ashton said. “Because he had been out for so long, we kind of not forgot him at Premiership level, but at internationals maybe so.
“So it is so good to see him back playing well, leading the team.
“That does not mean Owen can’t come in and add to that. We need a ball-playing 12, and Owen fits that.”
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