Farrell: You probably build it up into something that it's not
England international Owen Farrell takes us on a trip down memory lane as he looks back to 2012 when he received the news that he will be making his international debut.
Farrell is joined by fellow England internationals Danny Cipriani and Graham Rowntree, Ireland’s Johnny Sexton, Wales’ Jamie Roberts and Scotland’s Greig Laidlaw as the players look back to receiving their first international caps.
Sexton received a call while doing duty for Leinster but his good news made a swift 180 as he broke his thumb and had to wait another year to make his Ireland debut. He has since proven to be one of the best flyhalves Ireland has ever produced, scoring 814 points in 91 matches.
Cipriani made his debut on 2 February 2008 as an outside centre against Wales and has been afforded 16 caps to date.
Roberts made his debut against Scotland in the Six Nations in 2008, which proved to be his only international match of that campaign. However, the 94-capped utility back was not deflated by being dropped as Wales went on to win the Grand Slam that year.
Rowntree vividly remembers remaining on the bench for about two years as Jason Leonard would not be substituted. What better way to celebrate your international debut and winning the Calcutta Cup ran consuming your favourite beverage from it.
Farrell remembers being nervous from the night before his debut on 4 February 2012 and, looking back, feels he may have built it up into something that it’s not. His start was not great after trying hard to make an impact on the game but soon relaxed and enjoyed the experience. He has since gone on to represent England on 83 occasions and has 914 points to his name.
Laidlaw made his debut at 25 on 13 November 2010, fulfilling a childhood dream. His debut was against the All Blacks, coming on as a replacement and has since represented Scotland on 76 occasions.
Source: BT Sport
