England Rugby
Farrell: England are ready for challenge
ESPN Staff
October 26, 2012
Saracens head coach Andy Farrell barks the orders, Saracens v Harlequins, Aviva Premiership, Wembley, London, March 31, 2012
Andy Farrell says summer tour puts England in good stead © Getty Images
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Andy Farrell insists England's young squad are ready for the massive challenges that lie ahead of them this autumn.

England face the all-conquering All Blacks and recent foes South Africa as well as Fiji and Australia this autumn in what will be a huge test for Stuart Lancaster's young squad. After finishing second in last season's Six Nations, England's progress was put into question by a 2-0 series defeat in South Africa this summer.

If England can retain their fourth place ranking through the QBE series they will be top seeds when the World Cup draw is made on December 3. And Farrell, one of three assistant coaches under Lancaster, insists they will rise to the challenge.

"We are at a stage now where if we are not excited about coming back from the summer tour of South Africa, with what we learned out there, and taking on these teams then we are in the wrong game," Farrell said.

"This group of players have been through a lot in a short space of time and they will be ready for the challenge. We have to go out there with the belief straight from the beginning. We believe we have a bunch of players who can keep moving forward and that is exciting.

"The summer tour clearly defines where we need to go next. The first two Tests we showed remarkable character. The intensity, the fight, the courage was there for all to see in the third Test.

"That's what the nation really saw and jumped on board with during the Six Nations. The next step for us as a group is to add the fine detail. It's absolutely crucial we kick on."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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