Aviva Premiership
Owen Farrell leaves England spoiled for choice at fly-half, says Saracens chief
Rob Bartlett at Twickenham
May 30, 2015
Owen Farrell
Owen Farrell© Dan Mullan/Getty Images

Mark McCall believes Stuart Lancaster will be "spoilt for choice" picking England's starting fly-half at the Rugby World Cup after Owen Farrell produced a man-of-the-match performance to guide Saracens to Aviva Premiership glory.

Farrell scored his side's opening try in the 28-16 final victory over Bath at Twickenham and added a further 13 points with the boot as Saracens fought off a brave Bath fightback to clinch their second Premiership title.

George Ford endured an indifferent day in Bath's No.10 shirt, landing three penalties and one conversion, but winning coach McCall believes Lancaster will have plenty to think about following Farrell's showing.

"Owen's a big game player and I think he's proved that down the years," McCall said. "There have been some downers but I think England are blessed to have two brilliant young No.10s for what should be a very long time.

"George Ford is a magnificent rugby player and Owen showed today what qualities he has. I know he's very highly rated by Stuart Lancaster and we're delighted he came back just at the right time for us this season.

"I said England are blessed to have two quality fly-halves. Truth be told, they've actually got a few more than that, but they've got two very special ones. I think Stuart is going to be spoilt for choice."

And McCall was equally excited by the young players at his own disposal. Jamie George, drafted in to Lancaster's World Cup training squad following the suspension of Dylan Hartley, produced a quality performance in front of England's watching eyes and broke clear from 35 yards out to score Saracens' second try.

"I think once they get him in camp and see what he does day in day out, he's got a chance. Jamie's a brilliant player," McCall added.

"One of the big positives for me this season is the emergence of young talent, most of it home grown. Jamie George getting in the England squad and playing as he did today. There is a lot to be excited about. Our pack is a really young pack, we've got unbelievable potential so it's going to get better and better. It's very exciting."

With victory in southwest London, Saracens put to bed the ghost of their extra-time final defeat to Northampton last year.

"Last year was painful, there was a lot of hurt after the game but we promised ourselves in pre-season that it wouldn't be an excuse. We didn't deserve anything this season just because we lost last year," McCall said.

"We won the league by miles last year but ultimately lost out on silverware. We don't judge ourselves just on silverware, but this has been a different journey. We've had to fight hard in the play-offs, luckily we had enough in the legs at Northampton last week and to do the job today."

© Rob Bartlett at Twickenham

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