Embarrassed England star owns up to costly mistake in classy message
England captain Owen Farrell and winger Jack Nowell have been in the firing line this week following their reaction (or lack of reaction) to Argentina’s crucial second try in their win at Twickenham last Sunday.
In short, the pair stood and watched while Argentina fly-half Santiago Carreras picked up Farrell’s loose pass and ran in for a try from 60 metres out.
Surprisingly, Nowell has owned up to the error on Instagram, which is a pretty classy touch. Commenting on a post by ballcarrier, the England winger wrote: “Yeah real poor from me. Stopped because I thought it was a knock on. Gutted with my decision at that moment. Should always play to the whistle.”
Take a look:
Despite this indiscretion, Nowell has retained his place in England’s starting XV to face Japan this Saturday.
Looking ahead to the fixture, Eddie Jones said: “We’ve worked hard this week to improve on last week’s performance. We’ve taken a good look at our preparation and we are happy with our position going into the game.
“We’ve made a few changes to the side as we play these four games in November. In particular with Manu we are balancing his workload.
“Japan are a very good and intriguing side. They play a unique type of rugby based on continuity and team cohesion and we’ll have to be at our best against them at Twickenham on Saturday.”
ENGLAND XV
15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 14 caps)
14. Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, 43 caps)
13. Guy Porter (Leicester Tigers, 2 caps)
12. Owen Farrell (C) (Saracens, 98 caps)
11. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 69 caps)
10. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 14 caps)
9. Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 4 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 40 caps)
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 38 caps)
3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 53 caps)
4. David Ribbans (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
5. Jonny Hill (Sale Sharks, 16 caps)
6. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 59 caps)
7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 42 caps)
8. Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs, 15 caps)
FINISHERS
16. Jamie George (Saracens, 69 caps)
17. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 71 caps)
18. Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 6 caps)
19. Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 1 cap)
20. Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 65 caps)
21. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 118 caps)
22. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 49 caps)
23. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 47 caps)
