Four answers, no ideas … how England captain Owen Farrell kept mention of Ireland’s father Andy a secret before Saturday’s meeting.

It is the subject that is repeatedly very uncomfortable for England captain Owen Farrell: speak in public about his father, Ireland coach Andy Farrell. Son and father used to work together in Saracens and England, but mostly they have had different career paths since the disastrous 2015 World Cup.

Unwanted by incoming England coach Eddie Jones, Farrell Snr was hired by Ireland as their defense coach under Joe Schmidt and his responsibilities have since taken on a different tone. Farrell took over the entire scare game at the top of the year, a development that has added a new layer to the intrigue surrounding the Farrells.

The 2017 Lions tour was the last time they operated on the same side, but they should catch up this Saturday when England host Ireland at the Fall Nations Cup at Twickenham, the first time they will see each other in nine weeks.

Andy Farrell explains Ireland’s team selection against England

On that September 19 in Dublin, Owen was seen approaching the VIP seats at Aviva Stadium for a socially estranged chat with Dad before the Saracens defeated Leinster in the quarterfinals of the Champions Cup, a match for the that half of the London club was suspended. after a red card from the Premiership.

Two months later, their paths will now cross again during Saturday’s pregame warmup, but controlling the dynamics between the pair remains impossible to measure, so Owen is cautious when it comes to talking about his father.

Seconds to last round of Stander vs Farrell https://t.co/A4WAjAaqpD

– RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 18, 2020

He was asked four questions at his press conference Thursday, and each short response highlighted what an issue looks like that remains off-limits to the public. When initially asked that it must have been a while since he had seen Andy, he replied, “I have to book with him now (via Zoom). Obviously, I haven’t seen him in a long time, but obviously I still talk like anyone would with their family. “

Does Owen understand the pressure Dad now faces as head coach? “Yes, obviously, that’s usually where the opportunity is, usually that’s where the good things come from. I’m excited for him. “

Have you noticed a change in Farrell’s Ireland compared to Schmidt’s Ireland? “It’s probably best if you ask someone on the field (from Ireland). Obviously he’s putting a bit of his own stamp on with obviously a lot of what has been learned while he was involved with Ireland before taking office. I guess I hope it’s a progression. “

And that Dad got the best place with the Irish? “Yes, yes. Obviously, it is a step forward, but it is something that he has always wanted and it is good that now he has this opportunity.”

Five obvious and little real information … sure, still an uncomfortable subject for the captain of England.

The attention you get when you start 3? Kiwis and 2 ?? south africans # AutumnNationsCup #Rugby #ENGvIREhttps://t.co/yglCVGkbFK

– RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 19, 2020