England coach Stuart Lancaster has fired back at claims he would not drop Owen Farrell from his starting XV.
Farrell has struggled in the QBE International defeats by New Zealand and South Africa but he keeps his place for Saturday's clash with Samoa at Twickenham.
The 23-year-old, whose father Andy is part of England's coaching team, moves from fly-half to inside centre with George Ford being handed the No 10 shirt for his first Test start.
But Lancaster says he is willing to drop Farrell if the decision benefits the team and issued an emphatic response to anyone who sees him as a nepotist.
"If there's a perception that I've never dropped Owen Farrell, then that's wrong," Lancaster said.
"He was dropped in South Africa when we were on tour and he didn't play in any of the autumn internationals in 2012 in the lead up to that New Zealand game."
When questioned about the role Andy Farrell has in the selection, Lancaster replied: "Can I put that one to bed, please?
"I can categorically say that there is no influence of Andy in the selection of Owen whatsoever. I make the decision. I consult (attacking skills coach) Mike Catt more than Andy when it comes to Owen.
"Mike has his view but I make the decision on it. Andy has a view, but to suggest that he in anyway would influence selection is completely wrong.
"In terms of questioning the integrity of them as a father and son unit in their family, I think that would be completely wrong.
"If you ask the players, they will say it is a completely coach-player relationship. I've seen Mike Ford and George Ford operate in the same relationship.
"I've got a son who's 13, I coach him and if you ask anyone you are probably harder on your own children."