England head coach unsure if Manu Tuilagi will be fit enough to play against Australia on Saturday, live on Sky Sports
Tuesday 20 November 2018 06:02, UK
Eddie Jones says the decision to promote Owen Farrell to England co-captain has helped push the 27-year-old's performances to "another level".
Farrell was promoted from vice-captain to work alongside Dylan Hartley as joint captain for England during their autumn internationals.
He started England's win over South Africa and defeat to New Zealand, scoring 14 points in those games, before coming off the bench to help his side come from behind and beat Japan on Saturday.
Farrell is likely to start England's final autumn fixture against Australia on Saturday, live on Sky Sports, and ahead of that Test, Jones said: "I just think he is really growing as a leader.
"He's enjoying his role. He's really stepped forward. He and Dylan form a very strong pair to lead the side.
"I was also impressed with Maro (Itoje) in the second half (against Japan). I think he's starting to really grow and he will become the best lock in the world."
When asked if he thinks the captaincy has helped take Farrell's performances to another level, Jones replied: "I think it has.
"I think the official title has probably encouraged him to be more active in that area, and I think that has only helped him and the team."
While Farrell has featured in all three of England's fixtures this month, they have had to make do without Manu Tuilagi, who is being held back by Jones until he fully recovers from a groin strain.
The head coach would not be drawn on whether the centre would make his long-awaited return against the Wallabies at Twickenham, saying: "He is getting closer.
"We've purposely been patient with him. We want him, when he plays for England again, absolutely 100 per cent and confident in what he can do. It will be close (to see if he is fit)."
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