Whether or not Farrell makes wholesale changes for Japan’s visit to Aviva Stadium on Saturday (12:40 GMT) remains to be seen.
One of the Englishman’s big calls for the All Blacks game was Jack Crowley’s selection at fly-half, having lost his place to Sam Prendergast 12 months ago.
Crowley endured a mixed afternoon against New Zealand, booting over eight points and showing some nice imagination in attack before conceding a crucial penalty on 60 minutes that helped turn the game in the All Blacks’ favour.
“I though he controlled the game pretty well,” said Farrell.
“Accuracy and a few bits [could be improved], but good decision-making. The crossfield kick into touch, I said to him at half-time, ‘good decision’.
“It was just execution. I thought he tactically played the game pretty well. He’ll be better for it.”
Farrell also praised Ulster centre Stuart McCloskey, who was forced off in the second half with a groin injury having impressed in his first appearance against the All Blacks.
“He went very well. He was a handful, wasn’t he? It was a shame that he came off with a bit of a groin soreness.
“How that develops, we’ll wait and see but he had a strong game.”
