Farrell: 'I didn't need HIA'

Reporting from Tokyo Stadium: England’s Owen Farrell denies he needed a HIA but admits he has work to do after missing four kicks at goal in the first half of his side’s crucial Pool.

Farrell said that he was ‘fine’ after the hit to the jaw by Argentina’s Tomas Lavanini which saw the towering lock sent from the field, suggesting that a potential concussion was not to blame for his lack of accuracy from the kicking tee.

“I fixed it up a little bit after half-time but I’ll do some work this week.”

The Pumas were forced to play 63 minutes with only 14 men after Lavanini was sent off by referee Nigel Owens for a high challenge in which he struck Owen Farrell’s jaw with his shoulder.

Farrell was adamant that he didn’t need a HIA.

“I feel fine. It’s obviously concussion that’s the worry but I didn’t really get hit anywhere near the top of the head,” said Farrell. “Maybe your jaw gets a bit sore but I was fine. There was no need for a HIA.

The England captain branded side’s performance as ‘scrappy at times’.

“I thought there was a decent amount of control from ourselves but we probably let the game get a bit frantic at times, forced a couple of things and let Argentina into the game at times.

“Our control thereafter was good again and we got back down with some territory and that pressure told in the end.”

Head coach Eddie Jones meanwhile played down Billy Vunipola’s ankle injury.

“He got a fair whack, but he’s a pretty tough boy, he’s fine. I think he (Billy Vunipola) has spent too much time at the Kobe beef bar. We decided to give him an early shower. We’re not sure (of injury) – he had a bit of a twinge there (ankle). We think he’s going to be all right – that’s why we took him off early.”

“We’re fine, (Lewis) Ludlam came on and played superbly for us, we’re adaptable. We have still got Mark Wilson, who’s been one of our best players in the last 24 months not in the 23. Obviously, we would like Billy in the team, if not we have plenty of good cover.”

In this week’s episode Jim Hamilton discusses everything tht has been going in the opening two weeks of the Rugby World Cup.