England captain Owen Farrell is being hailed as one of rugby’s greats as the number 10 prepares to break Jonny Wilkinson’s record as the country’s top scorer against Samoa.
- Owen Farrell is just one point away from breaking Jonny Wilkinson’s record
- The record had stood since 2011 but Wilkinson retired from Test rugby that same year.
- England face Samoa on Saturday having already qualified for the quarters
Owen Farrell has been recognized as one of the unsung greats of English rugby as he prepares to overtake Jonny Wilkinson as the country’s leading points scorer.
The England captain is one conversion away from surpassing Wilkinson’s record of 1,179, set since 2011.
Farrell has never enjoyed the same success as Wilkinson, but some of the sport’s biggest names have paid tribute to him ahead of today’s World Cup match against Samoa.
Former England manager Eddie Jones told Mail Sport: “Owen is a fantastic player – a real warrior. When he’s at his best and playing well, he makes such a difference for this team.
“This record is simply a testament to his desire, hard work and ability to influence the players around him.
Owen Farrell needs two points to break record to become England’s top scorer
Jonny Wilkinson has held the record since 2011, but retired from Test rugby that same year.
“He’s probably not remembered as one of the best in the world, but breaking that points record is a true reflection of the type of player he was.”
Farrell will start in the No.12 jersey on Saturday, alongside long-time teammate George Ford.
Joining the applause, Sir Clive Woodward said: “In my humble opinion, Jonny Wilkinson is the best number 10 in the history of English rugby due to his exploits in the game.”
“For Owen Farrell to surpass Wilkinson’s points record – as he likely will against Samoa today – is a great testament to his career and the resilience he has shown. Farrell is a fantastic player who , unlike Wilkinson, perhaps doesn’t get the praise he deserves.
“Becoming the top scorer in English rugby is recognition of the importance he has to the national team.
“I would like to say a big well done to Farrell and wish him good luck for the weekend and the rest of the World Cup.”
England have already qualified for the quarter-finals, where they will likely face Fiji.
Sir Clive Woodward hailed flyhalf and captain Owen Farrell as an underrated England great