Farrell pivotal for England

– Eddie Jones believes “spiritual leader” Owen Farrell’s aggression will serve England well when an injury-hit side face South Africa today.

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 co-captain alongside the hooker, now fit following a concussion injury that ruled him out of the tour.

As if that were not enough, goalkicker Farrell (above) has been switched to the pivotal position of flyhalf for just the third time since Australian coach Jones’ reign as England boss started two years ago.

Farrell has spent a large part of his England career at inside centre, with childhood friend George Ford at flyhalf.

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.

Farrell will have Ben Te’o alongside him in a midfield 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.

“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 the 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. –

London

He’s from good stock and he’s aggressive. We need that against South Africa.

Eddie Jones England coach