SIR CLIVE WOODWARD’S

THREE KEY BATTLES

OWEN FARRELL v JOHNNY SEXTON

CUT from the same cloth, Farrell and Sexton are two of the best No 10s our game has seen. This match-up could be another key marker ahead of the World Cup. Farrell has kicked at 84 per cent in this competition, and Sexton 92 per cent. Their clear thinking under real pressure and nerveless goal-kicking will decide the tie.

MAKO VUNIPOLA v TADHG FURLONG

THE Lions team-mates from 2017 are two of the best props in the world, and define the position in the modern game. Not only great scrummagers, but influential around the field — they are vital to their teams. Saracens are not the same team when Mako does not start.

MARO ITOJE v JAMES RYAN

THIS pair could soon be captains of England and Ireland respectively and today is one of, I hope, many great battles between them. Itoje might have been moved to flanker but he will still compete against Ryan in the lineout and across the park. The Englishman is two years older at 24, and I give him the slight edge for his work around the field, but both are pivotal players in the pack.