"He never wilted" - George Ford names the fly-half he most dreaded facing

He made his Test debut for England in the 2014 Six Nations, went to the 2015 World Cup and shared in Championship wins in 2016 and 2017.

Ford led out England as captain on the occasion of his 50th cap against Japan in the autumn series of 2018.

In an interview with Rugby World, Ford revealed the three bet fly-halves he’s played against.

Ford said: "The way he manages when to kick, run or pass is the best I’ve seen. When you play against him, he’s very vocal in organising those around him.

"Since he broke through at Leinster and progressed to play in the biggest games for Leinster, Ireland and the Lions, you can see him growing in responsibility. He’s always been a 10 who demands total commitment from him team-mates."

Ford said: "“Obviously I’ve played with Owen for ages and it’s not just his big hits and the way he puts himself about that you respect, but the way he drives the team and lifts others around him.

"He’s the defensive energy of the team. He thrives on that part of the game. Luckily I’ve avoided getting smashed by him, but I’ve seen him knock plenty of people backwards.

"It helps that he’s a big lad, it’s his genetics with his dad but he wants to carry on the family tradition!”

Ford said: I’d have to say Jonny (Wilkinson), not only for his longevity, but for his consistency. Everyone talks about the hard work he puts in – and I’ve been lucky enough to have a few sessions with him – but what I like is as games get bigger, say the Heineken Cup Final, or Top 14 final, his place kicking gets even better.

"He doesn’t wilt under pressure. He could also punished teams with drop goal from his left or right boot. His advice was to practice with an outcome at the end and concentrate on my technique so when the crowd are on your back and the tension is building, you shut the close down, focus and get the job done.”