Heineken Cup final: Jonny Wilkinson v Owen Farrell in battle of number tens

Both stand on the verge of a remarkable domestic and European double. One is the reigning champion; the other a rising star. One makes his final appearance on Europe’s biggest stage; the other graces the premier stage for the first time.

The rise to prominence of Owen Farrell echoes that of Jonny Wilkinson, but they are very much their own men.

Farrell cuts a distinct figure, his determination, focus and unquestionable natural gift set him apart. He marked his arrival on the Premiership stage by leading Saracens to their first title since 1998 and their first English top flight crown. Wilkinson defines professionalism, his devotion, dedication and relentless pursuit of perfection is globally revered. He marked his arrival in the English top flight by leading Newcastle to their first, and only Premiership title to date.

After a breakthrough season, Farrell went on to claim the England No 10 berth and has seldom been challenged, thus raising the question; is Owen Farrell the next Jonny Wilkinson?

The way Farrell has burst onto the international scene reflects that which Wilkinson experienced under the tutelage of Sir Clive Woodward as an emerging 18-year-old. When it comes to the No 10 jersey, Wilkinson’s reputation is rather possessive; Charlie Hodgson, Olly Barkley, Andy Goode and Toby Flood all failed to stamp their authority on it, with England returning to their trustworthy servant for a second World Cup final in 2007.  

Last year, Wilkinson experienced his first taste of a Heineken Cup final and the sweet savour of European glory. This year, it is Farrell’s turn to make his debut on European rugby’s biggest stage, but will it be back-to-back success for Wilkinson or will the 22-year-old take a hold of the Heineken crown, as he did with the No 10 shirt?

Temperament

Being the target of attack comes with the territory as first receiver and although Owen Farrell continues to mature with age, there are lessons he can learn from Wilkinson. Opposing sides will always be out to put the fly-half under pressure and Farrell, like Wilkinson, craves physicality and thrives on confrontation, but there must be restraint and level-headedness if you are going to dictate proceedings.

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Wilkinson’s temperament was tested by France early in his international career, with flanker Serge Betsen deliberately avoiding rucks to target the England fly-half. It turned out to be one of Wilkinson’s less notable performances after Betsen successfully enticed him into a personal duel, which resulted in him losing sight of the game plan.

Farrell, who at times has made Wilkinson look like a conscientious objector, had his temperament called into question at the very start of his British and Irish Lions debut in 2013 after choosing to tease Saracens team-mate Schalk Brits in a match against the Barbarians. Brits hit back by swinging a punch at Farrell, who reacted a fracas broke out and the fly-half narrowly avoided punishment.

Wilkinson’s composure is second-to-none in the modern game and his vast experience could pay dividends for Toulon on Saturday. Farrell has shown signs of exemplary leadership in the axis, but also moments of weakness which have exposed a red streak in his character and being drawn into a personal duel against Toulon could cost Saracens dearly.

Defence

Both men may look well suited to being the face of glamorous commercials, but they also both delight in leaving bodies sprawling. Over the course of Wilkinson’s career there has been a wave of change at fly-half, with a greater emphasis on the balance betwee