Faz is in a league of his own

Jason Robinson expects his former Wigan colleague to be a real force in rugby union.

Andy Farrell has been tipped to hit the highest heights in rugby union, by a man who has already done so.

Former rugby league star Jason Robinson scored a crucial try to help England lift the 2003 World Cup, and he played a starring role in Sale Sharks' Premiership triumph last season.

The nimble full-back is now preparing to face Farrell when Saracens visit Edgeley Park on Friday, and Robinson insists his former Wigan Warriors teammate has every asset necessary to emulate his own achievements in the 15-man game.

"Andy is an exceptional player and he battles for a full 80 minutes," said the former England captain.

"He was captain of both Wigan and Great Britain by the time he was 22 and is a born leader. He doesn't know the word `fail' and even when he was battling injury, I knew he would recover.

"I am sure he will be as big a success in rugby union as he was in rugby league."

Farrell made his long-awaited debut on Sunday, putting a year of injury turmoil behind him to complete 16 minutes for Sarries in their 44-20 victory over Newcastle Falcons.

A toe problem and a prolapsed disc caused the 31-year-old to watch on as the High Wycombe club endured a testing 2005/06 campaign, yet he was still included in England boss Andy Robinson's elite squad at the start of this season.

Now Farrell, who won every domestic trophy in rugby league, is determined to make his mark in rugby union, but he acknowledges the quality of the man standing opposite him this Friday.

"What a player and what a character," said Farrell of long-term friend Robinson. "He has hit the heights in both codes.

"I came up through the ranks at Wigan with Jason and he has always been a special talent. He can still turn a game on his own.

"He has captained England and in his two years as captain of Sale Sharks, he has won silverware. He is a credit to both codes."

Both sides go into Friday's match on eight points from their opening three fixtures.