Pundits in agreement as England star could hold key to Ashes glory

Herbie Farnworth could hold the key to victory against Australia when England host the Kangaroos next year. That’s the belief of BBC pundits Jamie Peacock and Kevin Brown, who waxed lyrical about the centre following his man of the match showing against Samoa in Saturday’s second Test at Headingley.

Farnworth scored two tries and set one up in West Yorkshire as England claimed a 34-16 win and completed a 2-0 series whitewash over the tourists. The 24-year-old has now made six appearances for his country, with six tries coming along the way, as the Dolphins man continues to develop and mature, he looks set to be a key man for his country for years to come.

The centre will almost certainly be involved next autumn if he’s fit against Australia and Peacock believes his intensity, speed and prowess could help England stun the world champions.

“He was head and shoulders above any other England player,” Peacock said as part of the BBC’s coverage of the second Test. “We’ve had some good performances from other England players.

“Everything he does has intensity around it and it’s high quality, he had some world class efforts throughout the game, not only with the ball but also in attack, setting plays up for other people.

“He accelerates into contact and not many players want to do that. Every time he gets the ball he’s a player that wants to make things happen and make a difference. He’s just a wonderful player, everything is in balance.”

Addressing the prospect of next autumn’s Ashes, Peacock added: “Nobody can wait for that in this country, I hope it goes ahead. I think if we are going to beat Australia we’ll get three or four moments within a game to score a try and I think he’ll be at the heart of those moments within that team.”

Brown concurred, stating: “I think the way the half-backs are seeing him, they can can give him early ball, they can go to the line and put him through a gap. He’s got everything.

“The half-backs are really creating space for him as well and that dynamic, the left edge is sensational, they’re going to get better and older and I’m really confident we can shake it up.”