Farrell is a leader - Powell
Andy Farrell has been backed to "bark out the orders" when he makes his Test debut in a new-look England team against opening RBS 6 Nations opponents Scotland.
Farrell, his former Wigan rugby league colleague Jason Robinson and a fit-again Jonny Wilkinson are the headline acts as England target a show-stopping display less than three months after a capacity Twickenham audience booed them off.
"Andy makes decisions exceptionally well under extreme pressure every time," said Farrell's one-time Great Britain playing colleague Daryl Powell. "The hype surrounding his debut will not faze him at all. He is a dominant leader who sets himself very high standards and expects the same off his team-mates."
He added: "He will be out there barking out the orders at Twickenham on Saturday like a Test veteran, and that is just what England need.
"Playing at centre will suit his capabilities because he is a strong ball-carrier, he can pass long and short with equal ability, and he has a big left foot.
"There will be some things about rugby union that are not second nature to him yet, but the positives far outweigh the negatives."
