Owen Farrell lauds super-talent Noah Caluori’s underrated quality ahead of England bow
The England under-20 international continued a fine breakout season with a five-try haul against Sale for the second time this campaign
Former England captain Owen Farrell has added to the hype around teenage sensation Noah Caluori, praising his confidence and physical prowess on show in an astonishing breakout season. The 19-year-old scored five tries against Sale twice this season - on his first Prem start for Saracens in the fixture last October , and again this weekend as Saracens ran rampant in a 85-19 win , a record victory for the club in this division. The winger’s exploits handed Mark McCall’s side a lifeline in their bid to reach the Prem play-offs and made his case for inclusion in the senior England squad this summer.
McCall: “I think that’s one of the better wing performances in the Premiership that I have seen to be honest, for a long time, and I have seen a lot. “We have had Ashy [Chris Ashton], Sean Maitland and David Strettle at the club, but I am not sure I have seen as much from one player in one game, albeit it was a game that blew out. ” Farrell has now added his name to the list of Caluori’s admirers, telling The Telegraph : “Everyone sees all the high-ball stuff and his finishing, but he has at times done an unbelievable job coming off his wing and taking some tough carries as well.
“The highlighted bits that everyone sees are not just the only thing that he does. He is big and strong as well, and he makes a difference all over the field. ” Caluori has 17 Prem tries this season from just six starts, and clearly outshone Tom Roebuck, England’s current right wing, in the latest victory over Sale.
His rise has been all the more remarkable given just three weeks prior, the teenager - an England under-20 international - was on loan at Ampthill in the Champ. Farrell highlighted his confidence and willingness to improve as key attributes, adding: “He’s obviously special. When he speaks, he knows he wants to get better.