Farrell admits ‘I was not at my best last season’

Owen Farrell agrees with Eddie Jones’s assessment that he was below par last season but feels invigorated ahead of England’s autumn internationals and a potential midfield partnership with the “brilliant” Marcus Smith.

Speaking before England’s threeday training camp last month, Jones suggested that his captain had not “been at his best for some time”, citing illness and “spasmodic training sessions” as reasons.

Farrell, speaking at the launch of the Autumn Nations Series, during which England face Tonga, Australia and South Africa, said: “I’d agree. I could have played better. There are parts of my game that I want to get back to and do more of.”

Since his return to Premiership action for Saracens in a 13-12 loss to Leicester, Farrell has guided his side to three straight wins over Newcastle, Bath and Wasps.

A midfield axis of Farrell and Smith, perhaps with Manu Tuilagi at outside centre, is one possible combination from Jones’s 34-man squad.

Farrell, who has 99 Test appearances, praised Smith as a “proper student of the game” with “immense passion”. “He’s someone who can unlock a game himself, but he’s also got a brilliant eye for how to make a team work as well,” Farrell said of the Harlequins playmaker.

As for the prospect of lining up next to Smith, he was confident that the pair, who have roomed together at England camps, could produce immediate results.

“It can [take time], but it doesn’t have to,” Farrell said. “Marcus likes talking about rugby, understanding the game and preparing the best he can. That, for such a talented player who can unlock a game himself, is obviously a brilliant balance to have.”