Jones puts faith in ‘spiritual leader’ Farrell for Springboks clash
LONDON: Eddie Jones believes “spiritual leader” Owen Farrell’s aggression will serve England well when an injury-hit side face South Africa in their opening November international at Twickenham on Saturday.
Farrell, who led England in the absence of regular skipper Dylan Hartley during a 2-1 series loss in South Africa in June, finds himself in the unusual position of cocaptain alongside the hooker, now fit following a concussion injury that ruled him out of the tour.
As if that were not enough, goalkicker Farrell has been switched to the pivotal position of fly-half for just the third time since Australian coach Jones’ reign as England boss started two years ago following the team’s firstround exit on home soil at the 2015 World Cup.
Farrell has spent a large part of his England career at inside centre, with childhood friend George Ford at fly-half.
But Farrell, a stand- off with English champions Saracens, will be in the playmaking role this weekend, while Danny Cipriani – England’s No 10 when they beat the Springboks 25-10 in Cape Town in June last time out – has not even made the cut for Jones’ training squad.
Farrel l wil l have Ben Te’o alongside him in a midf ield featuring Henry Slade, with Ford and powerhouse centre Manu Tuilagi both on the bench.
“We know what George and Owen can do,” said Jones.
“I wanted to see the difference it makes playing Owen at 10 with bigger centres.
“Owen’s a good decision-maker and he has a very good tactical kicking game. He’s bit of a spiritual leader in our side so being close to the action will help in that regard.”
Farrell is the son of former England dual code international Andy Farrell and Jones added: “He’s from good stock and he’s an aggressive competitor.
“We need that against South Africa, definitely.”
England, with the 2019 World Cup in Japan now under a year away, go into Saturday’s match with an inexperienced- looking side.
Injuries, allied to a suspension for Nathan Hughes and the international retirement of Joe Marler, have deprived them of several forwards with both Mako and Billy Vunipola, Chris Robshaw, Sam Simmonds and Joe Launchbury among those ruled out.
“We’re missing 40 0 caps. You don’t just replace 400 caps overnight,” said Jones.
“It’ s probably the most inexperienced pack England have had for a long time.”