BATTLE OF THE MASTER CONDUCTORS

STRENGTHS

■ FARRELL: A top all-round operator and the ultimate competitor. His attacking game is underrated and he is physical in defence.

■ FORD: Excellent kicker with supreme game management. His ability to pass late while right in the faces of the opposition’s defence line brings out the best in those around him.

WEAKNESSES

■ FARRELL: Goalkicking has proved fallible on England duty, although it has improved recently.

■ FORD: Not the biggest so can be targeted in defence.

TRADEMARK MOVE

■ FARRELL: Double pump passes, where he lures the opposition defence in before releasing the ball a split-second after it is expected.

■ FORD: The ‘spiral bomb’ kick — booting the ball in the air but with a spiral on it so it moves wickedly in the air, making it difficult for the opposition to catch.

FUN FACT

■ FARRELL: Farrell links his fingers in a JJ formation every time he kicks a goal. His kick celebration is in aid of Duchenne muscular dystrophy charity Joining Jack, for which Farrell is an ambassador. The charity was set up by schoolboy Jack Johnson’s parents, who are friends of the Farrells.

■ FORD: Owns an Italian restaurant in Oldham called Sorella with his partner Atdhetare. He also has a coffee shop called Kobe in Saddleworth, with Ford retaining close connections to the area he was born.

DID YOU KNOW?

■ FARRELL: Farrell had a goalkeeping trial with Manchester United when he was 13. There was talk of him being signed but his father Andy started playing for Saracens and the family moved to London. Andy Farrell was a dual code international and is now head coach of Ireland’s rugby union side who are currently ranked the world’s No 1 team.

■ FORD: In 2009, Ford became the youngest rugby union player to make his professional debut in England, breaking the record of Owen Farrell. Ford was 16 years and 237 days old at the time.

LEAST LIKELY TO SAY

■ FARRELL: I’m not that bothered about winning. It’s the taking part that counts.

■ FORD: It’s all about me and Owen in the final, no one else on the pitch matters.