Owen can still do job for England

ITOJE RALLIES ROUND UNDER-FIRE FARRELL

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MARO ITOJE insists Owen Farrell could still be an asset to England and admits he was stunned by the reaction to the fly-half’s British & Irish Lions call-up.

Farrell, who landed Down Under on Friday, was booed when he was in the stands for Saturday’s Sydney clash with the Waratahs.

Hilariously, prop Will Stuart joined in the catcalls, but skipper Itoje did not see the funny side of the criticism of the 33-year-old’s arrival in Australia, led by former Lions such as Dan Biggar.

Farrell trained in Canberra yesterday, then did extra fitness work after a session with the other kickers at the stadium where the Lions play the Brumbies today.

The former England captain is not in the squad but is set to play against the invitational AÜNZ side in Adelaide on Saturday and is sure to be a lightning rod for Australian spectators.