Owen Farrell in the thick of things and other talking points as England ease into knockouts


  • English
  • Arabic

England earned a place in the knockout stage of the Rugby World Cup at the earliest possible opportunity, as they beat Argentina 39-10 in Tokyo.

It was their third bonus-point win at the start of the tournament, and means they are already assured of a quarter-final berth, even with their final pool match against France still to play.

So far, so good, therefore for England – although they will be bearing a few scars after a bruising encounter with the Argentines, as they plot their path to the business stage of the competition.

Red mist

Matches between England and Argentina are rarely tickling contests.

Right back to the moment 29 years ago when 18-year-old Argentina prop Federico Mendez was sent off for dropping Paul Ackford at Twickenham, the fixture has been marked by violence.

Their 2019 Rugby World Cup meeting was no different. In just the sixth minute, England were warned by referee Nigel Owens for committing three penalty offences in the space of one play.

Shortly after, there was a multi-player scuffle. Then, in the 18th minute, there was the defining moment in the match: Tomas Lavanini sent off for a reckless high shot on Owen Farrell.

Many rugby fans around the world might have felt the identity of the victim was ironic.

But that of the culprit was more predictable. Lavanini has seen more cards than any other player in Pumas history, with five yellows and two reds.

Farrell high shots

When a disconsolate Lavanini was trudging off the field, the cameras panned to England supporters in the stands bearing a sign saying: “Hands off our Farrell.”

Given all the debate in recent years over the legality of Farrell’s own tackling technique, it is fair to point out he can probably look after himself.

But he has been the subject of two high shots in successive matches that have seen players sent off: Lavanini this time, and United States flanker John Quill in the previous fixture.

Farrell did acknowledge before the tournament that he has modified his tackling technique to try to steer clear of controversies over high hits. But he still cannot avoid them.

Sam Underhill of England in Tokyo. Getty
Sam Underhill of England in Tokyo. Getty

Underhill’s award

It figured that Martyn Williams, the great Wales flanker, might select an openside as the player of the match.

In a game in which his side scored five tries, Sam Underhill offered little to England’s attack.

Yet his match award was well merited for a defensive display that was notable both for being tireless – as is typical of him – and clean, too.

Williams made a point on commentary of assessing Underhill’s tackling technique. He suggested that those falling foul of the crackdown on dangerous play might want to employ the Underhill method of going low.

There were plenty of examples to choose from. England’s No 7 made 16 successful tackles in the game.

Ford’s fiesta

If Henry Slade had been fit a month ago, would George Ford be in the England team?  It is impossible to say for sure, but maybe not.

Now, though, he is one of the first names on the team sheet, and has a firm grip on the No 10 shirt that might have been earmarked for Farrell.

Having been player of the match last time out against United States, the diminutive fly-half was sparkling again.

He got a try of his own, laid on the opening score for his side with a deft pass for Jonny May, and his tactical kicking was impeccable. Most spectacularly when a low kick deep into Argentina’s 22 clipped the corner flag before heading into touch.

Billy lacking fizz

When quizzed on the reason for Billy Vunipola’s half-time substitution, England coach Eddie Jones attempted to laugh it off, suggesting the big No 8 had had “too much Kobe beef”.

The mirth might have been disguising more serious concerns, though. Vunipola was wearing significant strapping on an ankle injury sustained in the first half.

Even before suffering that injury, though, the Saracens powerhouse had been conspicuously out of sorts – and not for the first time in this World Cup.

He made two knock-ons in the first 10 minutes of the game, and lacked the carrying threat that he usually has when at the peak of his powers.

Tearful appearance

Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday. 

Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow. 

She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.

A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.

Stan%20Lee
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20David%20Gelb%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Our legal consultant

Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

UK-EU trade at a glance

EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years

Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products

Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries

Smoother border management with use of e-gates

Cutting red tape on import and export of food

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Godzilla%20x%20Kong%3A%20The%20New%20Empire
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAdam%20Wingard%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EBrian%20Tyree%20Henry%2C%20Rebecca%20Hall%2C%20Dan%20Stevens%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
While you're here
How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

The biog

Hobby: Playing piano and drawing patterns

Best book: Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins

Food of choice: Sushi  

Favourite colour: Orange

F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The specs

Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder MHEV

Power: 360bhp

Torque: 500Nm

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Price: from Dh282,870

On sale: now

COMPANY PROFILE

Name: Lamsa

Founder: Badr Ward

Launched: 2014

Employees: 60

Based: Abu Dhabi

Sector: EdTech

Funding to date: $15 million

Know your Camel lingo

The bairaq is a competition for the best herd of 50 camels, named for the banner its winner takes home

Namoos - a word of congratulations reserved for falconry competitions, camel races and camel pageants. It best translates as 'the pride of victory' - and for competitors, it is priceless

Asayel camels - sleek, short-haired hound-like racers

Majahim - chocolate-brown camels that can grow to weigh two tonnes. They were only valued for milk until camel pageantry took off in the 1990s

Millions Street - the thoroughfare where camels are led and where white 4x4s throng throughout the festival

The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law