England lock Courtney Lawes has hailed returning team-mate Owen Farrell as an ‘exceptional player’ ahead of Saturday’s clash against Australia.
Farrell, who was nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year this week, is set to be recalled for the weekend’s match at Twickenham having been rested for the 21-8 victory over Argentina last weekend at the same venue.
“Owen is a brilliant and exceptional player. He’s a player who can change the course of a game and the dynamics of a team,” Lawes told Sky Sports.
“I’m not surprised by the way he’s developed. It’s because of his heritage that he’s very determined and very focused – 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 demanding of his team-mates, but there a lot of boys like that and you need those kind of players in your team, definitely.”
Lawes and Farrell both impressed on the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand and are vital cogs in England coach Eddie Jones’ side.
“Last season I was playing a lot better and I’ve been able to improve game upon game,” Lawes said.
“I went on the Lions tour and I was still able to do it and then carry that into this season. I have a lot of confidence in myself, especially being able to stay fit for so long.
“For me playing week-in, week-out is a big thing. I feeling like my form is solid, no ups and downs, which is perfect. It means I can go into games confident and do what I need to for the team.”
England were not at their best in the 21-8 arm-wrestle with los Pumas last time out, but Lawes believes it was not down to a lack of effort.
“There isn’t any frustration because we weren’t lacking in intent. We just needed more clarity and we hadn’t played together for a while,” he said.
“It doesn’t always come together right away and I thought we did well to come away with such a good win, which was the most important thing.”
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