FARRELL ON FORD

I have known George since I was a kid. We played against each other at rugby league when we were younger. We have known each other since I was 13.

When you come up against him, first and foremost you know you are playing against a quality player. You know you are playing against someone who knows what he is doing, as he has shown since coming back into the Sale team. He has been outstanding.

He is in a good place. He looks calm, he looks in control, and I am sure he is a big driver behind this Sale team. PS

AND don’t forget about England’s other fly-half contender for the World Cup — Harlequins’ Marcus Smith, 24, is pretty decent, too!