Racing 92’s Decision to Move Owen Farrell to Inside Centre: A Calculated Move
In a move that may come as a surprise to some, Racing 92 have announced that Owen Farrell will line up at inside centre for their upcoming EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final against Lyon. This will mark the first time this season that the England captain will wear the number 12 jersey, a position that is not unfamiliar to him.
According to a report by Rugby Pass, Farrell has featured in 17 matches for Racing across the Top 14 and Challenge Cup, all at fly-half. However, his selection at inside centre is a deliberate move by head coach Patrice Collazo, who aims to relieve Farrell of his kicking duties and manage his workload, particularly given his recent surgery.
Farrell’s father, Andy Farrell, also played at centre after switching codes, and Owen has followed in his footsteps. During his international career, Owen has started more often at 12 (53 times) than at 10, and his positional flexibility could keep him in the frame for a fourth Lions tour this July.
As noted by Rugby Pass, Farrell made his professional debut with Saracens on 5 October 2008, coming on at inside centre for the final 17 minutes. His qualities, such as crisp distribution, physical defence, and ability to engage the line directly, are well-suited to the centre position.
Rugby Pass also reports that Collazo explained, "Bringing him into the centre was also to relieve him, especially from the kicking game that strains his adductors. As he’s still recovering, we didn’t want to play him for 70 minutes or even 80, as was done when he returned, only for him to drop back in."
The move to centre also allows Farrell to utilise his secondary kicking duties, a skill that has helped him become just the fifth player in history to score over 1,000 points for England, finishing on 1,237.
As reported by Rugby Pass, Farrell’s international career has seen him play in both the 10 and 12 positions, with 112 Test appearances for England. His role has also shifted with the British & Irish Lions, playing exclusively at fly-half on the 2013 tour but featuring at 12 three times in 2021.
The Rugby Pass article states that Racing 92’s team for the EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final against Lyon includes: Eddy Ben Arous, Diego Escobar, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Boris Palu, Will Rowlands, Maxime Baudonne, Junior Kpoku, Cameron Woki, Nolann Le Garrec, Dan Lancaster, Donovan Taofifenua, Owen Farrell, Gaël Fickou, Max Spring, and Tristan Tedder.
The team will be boosted by the return of Farrell, who will be looking to make an impact in the centre position. With the Challenge Cup semi-final looming, Racing 92 will be hoping that Farrell’s move to inside centre will prove to be a shrewd tactical decision.
Source: Rugby Pass – https://www.rugbypass.com/news/challenge-cup-top14-why-racing-92-are-moving-owen-farrell-for-the-first-timet-this-season/
In conclusion, Owen Farrell’s move to inside centre for Racing 92 is a calculated move by head coach Patrice Collazo to manage his workload and utilise his positional flexibility. With his international experience and skills well-suited to the centre position, Farrell will be looking to make an impact in the EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final against Lyon.
Racing 92’s Decision to Move Owen Farrell to Inside Centre: A Calculated Move for the EPCR Challenge Cup Semi-Final
The Challenge Cup semi-final against Lyon will see Owen Farrell line up at inside centre for Racing 92, a move that may come as a surprise to some. However, as reported by Rugby Pass, this is a deliberate decision by head coach Patrice Collazo to relieve Farrell of his kicking duties and manage his workload.
With his international experience and skills, Farrell is well-suited to the centre position. His move to centre also allows him to utilise his secondary kicking duties, a skill that has helped him become just the fifth player in history to score over 1,000 points for England.
As noted by Rugby Pass, Farrell’s international career has seen him play in both the 10 and 12 positions, with 112 Test appearances for England. His role has also shifted with the British & Irish Lions, playing exclusively at fly-half on the 2013 tour but featuring at 12 three times in 2021.
The Rugby Pass article states that Racing 92’s team for the EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final against Lyon includes: Eddy Ben Arous, Diego Escobar, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Boris Palu, Will Rowlands, Maxime Baudonne, Junior Kpoku, Cameron Woki, Nolann Le Garrec, Dan Lancaster, Donovan Taofifenua, Owen Farrell, Gaël Fickou, Max Spring, and Tristan Tedder.
The team will be boosted by the return of Farrell, who will be looking to make an impact in the centre position. With the Challenge Cup semi-final looming, Racing 92 will be hoping that Farrell’s move to inside centre will prove to be a shrewd tactical decision.
Source: Rugby Pass – https://www.rugbypass.com/news/challenge-cup-top14-why-racing-92-are-moving-owen-farrell-for-the-first-timet-this-season/
