England's Andy Farrell has received a ringing endorsement of his World Cup credentials as he prepares for his biggest game since switching codes from rugby league.
Farrell's World Cup hopes could stand or fall on the performance he produces against Wales at Twickenham this weekend.
England defence coach Mike Ford has challenged Farrell to "put points on the board" in his quest for a World Cup place.
And the former Great Britain skipper will have added responsibility. He has impressed England's coaching staff so much this summer, they recently appointed him defensive captain.
With veteran Mike Catt believed to have pinned down one inside centre berth - England head coach Brian Ashton will announce the World Cup squad on August 14th - it would appear Farrell, plus the likes of Toby Flood, Olly Barkley and Jamie Noon are contesting the right to join him.
And Ford has fired a powerful message to Farrell's detractors, some of whom have criticised him since he arrived in the union game following a move to Saracens.
Ford said: "Andy will be the defensive captain. The leadership he has shown over these last six weeks has prompted the coaches to give him that title - he has just got better and better.
"Obviously, his fitness is getting there. Andy is saying he is 95 or 96 per cent there, and come the World Cup, he will be 100 per cent. Physically, he is looking the part. He is looking a great presence.
"People might not see the flashing breaks or anything like that, but what he does is he doesn't make mistakes. He runs north/south, he can draw men, he can offload the football and he rarely misses a tackle.
"They might not be stardom things, but over the course of 80 minutes they all build up to a very good performance, and we hope he produces one this weekend."
Farrell has fought back from a prolonged spell of injury problems, and a high-class display on Saturday looks likely to be enough in terms of gaining selection for France.
Ford added: "I think he knows it is a big game for him. The criticism he got from outside the camp following the Ireland game in the Six Nations last season was unfair and cruel, but it was there.
"And after that, he saw a chance in South Africa a couple of months ago cruelly taken away from him.
"There are other 12s. Mike Catt, Toby Flood, Olly Barkley and people like that are all vying for the same position. Andy has got first crack of the whip, to put some points on the board if you like, and he understands that."
