Farrell set to start as England begin Tests
Owen Farrell has been acclaimed as England’s “spiritual leader” after winning the flyhalf selection race for tomorrow’s clash with South Africa at Twickenham.
The British and Irish Lion will make only his third start in the position since the launch of the Eddie Jones era in 2016, moving from inside centre to form a midfield trio alongside Ben Te’o and Henry Slade for the the first of four Quilter Internationals being staged this month.
It means George Ford continues with the bench role he filled against the Springboks in Cape Town in June as Jones looks beyond the twin playmaker policy that has previously served him well.
Already England’s cocaptain, tactical general and goalkicker, Jones has now entrusted the Saracen with the creative duties as the countdown to next year’s World Cup enters a key phase.
“I wanted to see the difference it makes playing Owen at 10 with bigger centres. Tactically we’ll be a little bit different,” Jones said.
“Owen’s a good decisionmaker and he has a very good tactical kicking game. He’s a bit of a spiritual leader in our side so being close to the action will help in that regard.”
In reference to Farrell’s father Andy, Jones said: “He’s from good stock and handles responsibility well. He’s an aggressive competitor. We need that against South Africa, definitely.”
The selection of Te’o at inside centre is a gamble given the Worcester centre has been limited to a mere 28 minutes of rugby this season due to thigh surgery and a calf problem, but Jones has been persuaded by his impact during the the squad’s training camp in Portugal.
“Ben’s ready to start. He’s a very good player - a Lions player - so we know what he’s capable of doing.”