Owen Farrell is being tipped to drive a sharply improved England performance as Eddie Jones prepares to recall his rested Lion against Australia on Saturday. Both England and the Wallabies will confirm their lineups on Thursday with Farrell poised to resume in the midfield.
Farrell spent last Saturday acting as water boy and message carrier during England’s 21-8 win against Argentina, with Jones emphasising the importance of his top players being in the best possible condition for the 2019 World Cup. The Saracens fly-half was nevertheless frustrated to miss the game and his team-mates acknowledge he is a key figure.
“He’s a brilliant leader and an exceptional player … he’s a player who can change the course of a game and the dynamics of the team,” said the lock Courtney Lawes, a fellow Lions tourist in New Zealand.
“I’m not at all surprised by his progress. He’s one of the most focused players I’ve ever come across. He understands the game as well as having all the skills he needs to be able to perform at the level he does. He’s also one of the most demanding team-mates. You lead by example and you want to drag other people up to that level. You need those kind of players in your team.”
With Mike Brown still undergoing return-to-play protocols a slight reshuffle is expected in the back three with Jonny May fit again. Up front Joe Marler will be involved after suspension with Maro Itoje available having sat out the Pumas game. “Come the weekend there might be that bit more edge just because it is another world-class team,” Lawes said. “Nothing against Argentina but it is definitely a step up against Australia and we definitely have that focus.”
Australia hope the lock Adam Coleman will be fit to play despite an injured thumb.
