Owen Farrell ready to upset family ties against Ireland: ‘We’ve been hurting since last week’ | Rugby Union News

Captain Owen Farrell wants to get England back on the road to victory after a humiliating defeat to France, but he will face the coach of the Irish Grand Slam pursuit team, his own father Andy Farrell, on Saturday; “It’s not weird for both of us,” he said. “We are only doing our job”

England captain Owen Farrell admits his mother Colleen is stuck in an unenviable position as he tries to rob his father and Ireland manager Andy Farrell of Grand Slam glory on Saturday.

The personal situation of the Farrell family is a major subplot ahead of Saturday’s sold-out Dublin showdown, with the hosts favorites to complete a full Six Nations sweep.

Fly-half Farrell is set to spoil the weekend St Patrick’s Day party at the Aviva Stadium after being recalled by Steve Borthwick, after starting last weekend’s 53-10 thrashing by France on the bench .

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Steve Borthwick says England’s heavy defeat to France was “painful” and believes the team have worked hard for a “better performance”.

The 31-year-old insists it will be business as usual for him and his father, but admits it’s a tricky situation for loved ones caught in the middle.

“It’s not weird for both of us,” he said. “It’s probably a bit weirder for the supporting family, especially my mum.

“She says she doesn’t know what she wants to happen. It’s probably a bit difficult for her – well, I know that.

“But as far as we’re concerned, we’re just doing our job. He’s not out there on the pitch, it’s not direct competition.

“We’ve been doing it for a long time now. It’s not the first time we’ve done it.”

Rivalries aside, the Saracen player has been very impressed with what his father has achieved across the Irish Sea.

“Ireland are doing very well at the moment, they are aiming for a Grand Slam which is a huge opportunity for them,” he said. “They fly by the minute.

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England head coach Steve Borthwick has selected a 36-man squad for their Six Nations final against Ireland as they look to bounce back from that humiliating 53-10 loss to France.

“They’re not number one in the world for nothing and there’s certainly a lot of pride in our family for the work he does.”

Farrell junior believes he has overcome the kicking issues he endured before being dropped for record humiliation at the hands of the French.

He insists England are much better than this unacceptable display and have carried out a thorough investigation.

“Obviously we’re suffering a bit from last week,” he said.

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England Rugby head coach Steve Borthwick tries to stay positive after their heavy loss to France.

“We are looking to take a step forward, we are going to play the best we can and we are looking forward to it.

“They’re two good teams getting into it. At the end of last week, everyone – especially outside – is very depressed about the current situation.

“We have no doubt that we are better than this and we are looking forward to the game.

“It was not enough, it’s never in an English shirt.

“We’ve looked at it closely, probably closer than everyone else, and we’re looking at what we can do better and try to get it out on the pitch tomorrow.”