Rugby World Cup: Owen Farrell admits four-match ban has been 'challenging', lauds George Ford's performances

Owen Farrell has admitted that he has found his four-match ban ‘challenging’ but lumped praise on fellow fly-half George Ford for his performances so far at the start of England’s Rugby World Cup campaign.

The Saracens No. 10 missed the opening two games of the tournament in France after he was suspended for a high tackle on Welsh back row Taine Basham during their 19-17 win against Warren Gatland’s side back in August.

The tackle sparked much controversy, with the England captain, firstly having his red card overturned in a decision that sent shockwaves throughout the rugby community, before that decision was rescinded with the 31-year-old being suspended for four matches.

Earlier on Thursday, Steve Borthwick announced his squad to take on Chile this coming Saturday and opted to play Farrell at fly-half, with the England captain expressing his happiness to be included in the playing squad.

“It has been a bit challenging, because you are unbelievably excited to play for England and getting started in a World Cup,” said the 31-year-old. "You want to be out there at the weekend. I am massively excited.”

Farrell, who has 93 caps for England, has been pictured around the team a lot during the opening stages of their World Cup campaign.

He has also been seen in the stands in France watching his team-mates play and admitted that, while he is usually in the thick of the action, he wasn’t ‘a good watcher’.

“I don’t detach myself, no,” he said. “I am knackered by the end, to be honest, especially that first one [against Argentina].

“I wouldn’t describe myself as a good watcher. I feel involved, I feel like I am out there at times, I feel every emotion that goes with it, sometimes I reckon a bit more so than if I was playing.”

He will replace Sale Sharks fly-half Ford, who has impressed for England so far during the tournament, leading them to a 27-10 victory against Argentina with the boot during their opening game, while playing a big part in the victory over Japan at the weekend.

The 30-year-old helped England secure a much needed bonus point against Japan too, setting up Freddie Smith for a late try using his weaker foot to kick a pin-point cross-field ball late on in the match.

And despite being one of his rivals for the jersey, Farrell spoke of his delight to see Ford playing so well.

“It is brilliant,” he said. “George has obviously been playing fantastic, the team has been playing really well and that is exactly what you want as an England player.

“I can’t speak highly enough about the way that he has been performing and the lads as a group.”

Borthwick has made 12 changes to his side that beat Japan.

Marcus Smith will also make his first start at the tournament, coming in for Steward for his first professional game at full-back with fellow Harlequins team-mate Danny Care coming in to replace Alex Mitchell at scrum half.

Bevan Rodd and Theo Dan will also make their first appearances in the front-row, with Henry Arundell coming into play on the right wing with Max Malins on the left.

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