Owen Farrell’s controversial tackling technique was once again in the spotlight during Saracens’ victory over Gloucester at Kingsholm in the Gallagher Premiership last night.
The England and Saracens fly-half escaped a red card for an apparent high tackle on Gloucester’s Jack Clement, appearing to make contact with his opponent’s head as he came around the corner at a ruck
Minutes later Farrell went on to kick a remarkable long-range drop goal to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat with Saracens players’ celebrations soon drowned out by Gloucester fans singing: ‘Same old Saracens, always cheating’.
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Leaving aside the earlier incident, this was one hell of a kick from Owen Farrell ?pic.twitter.com/yCz0ogjIAH
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) January 7, 2023
This is not the first time Farrell has faced criticism for his tackling style. Farrell’s defensive technique has repeatedly been called into question, with many arguing that it puts his opponents at risk of injury.
Many social media users are convinced that Farrell shouldn’t have been on the pitch to kick the winning points and that even if he is cited, the RFU ban will not effect his participation in the Guinness Six Nations.
Neil Fissler wrote: “Twitter is about to meltdown. Owen Farrell certainly shouldn’t have been on pitch to drop that goal.”
Twitter is about to meltdown. Owen Farrell certainly shouldn’t have been on pitch to drop that goal.
— Neil Fissler (@neilfissler) January 6, 2023
The Telegraph’s Charlie Morgan wrote: “Two-week ban with tackle school, back for the Six Nations to boil more piss. Just another Friday night for Owen Farrell.”
Two-week ban with tackle school, back for the Six Nations to boil more piss. Just another Friday night for Owen Farrell.
— Charlie Morgan (@CharlieFelix) January 6, 2023
Journalist Ryan Kisiel predicted he would be back in the saddle for the Steve Borthwick’s first Six Nations as head coach. “The kicker will be that the RFU will make sure Owen Farrell is available for Six Nations despite repeatedly having dangerous tackle technique”
The kicker will be that the RFU will make sure Owen Farrell is available for Six Nations despite repeatedly having dangerous tackle technique #GLOvSAR #rfu #sixnations
— Ryan Kisiel (@RyanKisiel) January 6, 2023
Mark Robson wrote: “Owen Farrell. He should be cited. RFU disciplinary. England v Scotland 4th February. What odds any suspension will expire before kick off at Twickenham?”
Owen Farrell. He should be cited. RFU disciplinary. England v Scotland 4th February. What odds any suspension will expire before kick off at Twickenham? https://t.co/eTEgEzv6R1
— Mark Robson (@rugbyjaffa) January 6, 2023
Others defended Farrell, one blaming Karl Dickson for failing to send the veteran off. “I’ll never understand why so many English rugby fans hate Owen Farrell so much? Yes he should have been sent off but it’s Karl Dickson’s fault he wasn’t…”
I’ll never understand why so many English rugby fans hate Owen Farrell so much? Yes he should have been sent off but it’s Karl Dickson’s fault he wasn’t…
— Tom Dabinett (@tomdabs) January 6, 2023
There is no doubt that Farrell is a world-class player and a key member of both the Saracens and England teams. However, his tackling technique is a cause for concern and needs to be addressed.
While Farrell’s intentions may not be malicious, his tackling technique is problematic and is clearly still a problem for England and Saracens.
