31 July 2007

Shortly after the England team was announced earlier today, rfu.com spoke to Andy Farrell about facing the Welsh alongside his new centre partner, Dan Hipkiss.

On lining up alongside England newcomer Dan Hipkiss, Farrell said, “I’m really looking forward to playing with Dan.  He’s played very well for Leicester Tigers this season, especially in the big games when it’s really mattered, and he had an outstanding EDF Energy Cup Final when he was deservedly voted man of the match.”

Speaking about his own return to England duty he added, “I’m very pleased with my fitness.  I haven’t had a preseason for the last two years because of a number of injuries and I really feel that I’m getting back to some very good levels of strength and fitness

“Although we know that only 30 players from the current training squad are going to make it on to the plane to France, we’re all helping each other, there’s a great atmosphere, it’s been a very positive training camp and an experienced I’m really enjoying.”

On facing Wales, he said, “As far as Wales are convened, I think they are a very strong side.  They have proved what they can do and beat us at the Millennium Stadium during the RBS 6 Nations earlier this year.  But we’ve been well briefed by the coaches about have been through videos of their performances during summer tour.”

Farrell urged the crowd to get behind the team when they run out at Twickenham, supporting the new 2007/8 England homes shirt for the first time on Saturday.  “I know that over 60,000 tickets have been sold already and when you bear in mind where we are in the rugby calendar and that it’s mid summer, that’s fantastic. 

“It would mean a lot to the players if an even bigger crowd turned up on Saturday and I really hope everyone coming down gets behind us from the first whistle until the end of the game.  Hearing the support from the Twickenham crowd is very, very important to all of us.”

Ends

Prices for the match start from £10 for under 16s and £45 for adults and can be purchased from Ticketmaster on 0870 9020000 or www.ticketmaster.co.uk (prior to Thursday 2nd August). Tickets will also be available on the day of the match from Twickenham Stadium.