Gaffney backing his man to out-smart the Springboks

Saracens director rugby Alan Gaffney first tried the 32-year-old at f ly-half in an 'A' team match with Leicester 11months ago.

He turned to Farrell again in the New Year's Day Guinness Premiership clash with Leicester, moving him into the outside-half position after Thomas Castaignede went off injured.

Ideally, Gaffney would prefer to see Farrell wearing the No12 jersey against South Africa in Paris, to make the best use of his distribution skills against the favourites.

However, based on what he saw of Farrell in the club games, the Saracens boss is convinced his man can take the pressure of being England's play-maker.

Gaffney said: "Faz had a really good game for the 'A' team against Leicester. His organisation is excellent, he distributes well, kicks out of the hand and off the ground and tackles extremely strongly.

"I had no problems putting him into the No10 position, both on that evening and for the last 20 minutes when we played Leicester in the Premiership at Welford Road in a match that Leicester were dominating.

"He played pretty f lat in that 'A' game, which suits our tactics and his particular skills because it demands that you are precise in your execution."

Farrell's kicking in the 'A' game was almost spot-on, as he was successful with all four of his penalties and missed just one of a quartet of conversion attempts.

His kicking will be key tomorrow and the fact he will have Mike Catt alongside him will be ideal, believes Gaffney.

"As the No10, Andy showed the ability to change tactics if a move had been planned and the defence made it difficult to execute. Faz has the strength to take the ball up himself and off-load," explained Gaffney.

"I suppose England will ask him to stand a bit deeper, to give him a bit more time, and with Mike Catt at his side then it gives them a left and right kicking option at 10 and 12 - which is important.

"Having that ability to adjust the play is going to be vital because the Springboks will use that rush defence and try to crowd England's 10 and and it is a real plus for England that Jean de Villiers is injured for South Africa, because he is a key defender.

"Having talked to Faz, I know that he is really delighted to be playing on the big stage."