Pressure is a good thing, says Farrell

– England skipper Owen Farrell (right) is relishing the opportunity to lead the team on next month’s three-Test series in South Africa, the flyhalf acutely aware that the role is loaded with added responsibility.

The 26-year-old Farrell, who has 58 caps for England, has been promoted to replace Dylan Hartley as skipper while the hooker takes an extended break from the game to recover from concussion symptoms.

“It (captaincy) puts a bit more pressure on you to play well but I see that as a good thing,” Farrell told BBC Radio 5 live.

“The first thing with that responsibility is standing up and talking in front of the team, telling other people what to do. The more you end up speaking the more you’ve got to do it and the more you’ve got to front up.

“I’ve always been comfortable speaking, especially on the field. Probably not as much off it.”

Farrell believes he has the leadership qualities to step into Hartley’s shoes as Eddie Jones’ side looks to snap a run of poor recent performances.

England were beaten by Scotland, France and Ireland in consecutive fixtures to finish a disappointing fifth in the Six Nations tournament earlier this year.

“I’m not trying to be anyone

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else. You can either let the pressure get to you or let it help make you better. I see it as something to get excited about rather than try and worry about,” Farrell added.

Prior to the South Africa tour, which begins with the first Test on June 9, Farrell will look to help his club Saracens beat defending champions Exeter in the Premiership final at Twickenham this afternoon.

Meanwhile, Elliot Daly will start England’s non-cap international tomorrow against the Barbarians at fullback, with Danny Cipriani having to settle for a place among the replacements.

It is Daly’s first start in the No 15 jersey, having made all but one of his previous England appearances on the wing, and the selection sees Mike Brown, the usual incumbent in the position, switch to the left wing.

Cipriani has been overlooked for a starting role despite his return to the senior England squad, with George Ford preferred at flyhalf. – Reuters