Owen Farrell’s selection in England’s Six Nations team, despite the fact that he hasn’t played rugby over two months, is “strange,” according to 2003 World Cup champion Matt Dawson.
Farrell has been out since suffering an ankle injury in the 32-15 victory against Australia on 13 November
the 30-year-old is scheduled to make his Saracens comeback against London Irish on Sunday.
“I still struggle to see where Farrell fits,” Dawson told BBC Sport.
“He hasn’t played since November, not been in any form whatsoever and England are flying on the back of beating world champions South Africa without him in the autumn.
“Farrell’s return was inevitable, but a little bit strange for me.”
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Jones praised Farrell’s leadership qualities when asked about his skipper on Tuesday.
“He has the respect of the team, he is a winner, he drives the competitive spirit of the team,” he said.
Farrell was deployed at inside centre in the autumn win over the Wallabies, outside rookie fly-half Marcus Smith.
“We have been talking about the midfield for years with England,” added Dawson.
“There have been so many different combinations. It has not been sorted because we rely on Manu Tuilagi too much.
“There are too many ifs and buts over that position, which is a real shame.”
