This is a good sign.
Over the last number of weeks, Owen Farrell’s candidacy for the Lions captaincy has gathered serious momentum.
All of a sudden his name is mentioned on a consistent basis when media, pundits, and supporters alike discuss the options available to Warren Gatland.
It’s not hard to see why.
He is a key component in teams who have recently dominated international and club rugby – England and Saracens.
Whatever about your opinions of the man, it is evident that this is a player who can lead.
Disregarding his undoubted quality when it comes to playing as an out-half or inside centre, he still has plenty to offer.
He often does what needs to be done and that includes laying down a marker to the opposition.
He also isn’t afraid of telling his teammates where to go when they are acting out of order.
Chris Ashton was the most recent recipient of this in Saracens’ win over Glasgow Warriors in the Champions Cup at the weekend.
Now Ashton can be annoying.
And his disciplinary record isn’t exactly a short read.
That much is sure.
Some piece of work https://t.co/S5oH5BYnrc
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) September 28, 2016
So when a player such as that, who has a reputation, starts mouthing off to the referee about something, then that needs to be nipped in the bud.
This is exactly what Farrell does which you can see in the clip below (34:40).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zs1MQcjZzC4&feature=youtu.be&t=2086
Saracens win a penalty after Glasgow are pinged for holding on.
The players celebrate but Ashton immediately approaches the referee to air some sort of grievance.
As you can hear quite easily, Farrell tells the winger in no uncertain terms to “get back on your wing!”
The game is incredibly tight at this stage and the last thing the home side need is for the referee to have an excuse to favour Glasgow in any way.
Farrell recognises this and takes care of the situation.
