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England's returning Farrell enjoys himself in Chile rout / Photo: © AFP
England's returning Farrell enjoys himself in Chile rout
England captain Owen Farrell said on Saturday he had had fun on his return to action as the 2003 Rugby World Cup winners hammered Chile 71-0 to edge closer to the quarter-finals.
Fly-half Farrell, who returned to action after being suspended for his country's first two matches of the tournament, moved within a point of Jonny Wilkinson's England points record.
"It is always enjoyable to pull on an England shirt, but to do it like we did today was good fun," Farrell said.
"We want to keep on progressing at everything and that is the feeling we are getting from the group."
England have a two-week break before their final group game against Samoa on October 7 when a win would guarantee their place in the last eight.
"I'm pleased with the progress of the team through the tournament to the third game here today," Borthwick said.
"I think the team is building as I said the team would.
"That’s our focus Samoa, they’re a tough physical team, really well-coached. We know what a great encounter that is," he added.
England ended the resounding victory against Chile with three playmakers on the field as George Ford came on from the bench to add to fly-half Farrell and livewire Marcus Smith, who was playing his first game for club or country at full-back.
"There are two good players on the pitch there and it is always good to have communication," Farrell said.
"That is one thing we wanted to get better at, the whole team has had the attitude of improving," he added.
Farrell moved to within one point of Jonny Wilkinson's England points-scoring record of 1,179.
"It wasn't in my mind before today, a couple of the lads mentioned it," Farrell said.
"I should have kicked another goal," he jokingly added.
England were forced to wait until the end of the first quarter to break the deadlock against a disciplined defensive effort from Chile.
"After 20 minutes we were still at 0-0, that was a good thing, it was our aim," Chile head coach Pablo Lemoine said.
"England are at a different level, they are competing to win the title," the former Uruguay prop added.
Chile captain Martín Sigren said the match was "a tough lesson" but that his nation were progressing.
"Four years ago we were getting the same result against Canada and the USA. We were losing games against Brazil. Four years later, look at us, we're here, so I have to hold on to that," he said.
"We will keep on working, maybe four years later the results will be different."
G.Collins--SFF
