SIR CLIVE Woodward, coach of England’s 1993 World Cup winning rugby union team, is predicting a bright future for Grasscroft-raised George Ford on the international stage.
The 21-year-old Bath fly half, who played amateur rugby league for both Saddleworth Rangers and Waterhead, has put down an impressive marker in the autumn internationals.
Former Knowsley Primary pupil Ford was handed his first start for England in the 28-9 win against Samoa as they ended a five match losing streak, their worst run for eight years.
Ford, who ousted Owen Farrell from the No 10 spot, kicked 13 points – three penalties and two conversions – and did enough to keep his place in the final autumn game against Australia.
He gave another assured display scoring 16 points – four penalties and two conversions – to help England win 26-17 and put down a marker for the 2015 World Cup.
And after back-to-back wins in his two starts Ford, who previously had made four appearances as a replacement, has suddenly emerged as a key figure in the England team winning praise and acclaim for his performances.
Sir Clive, wrote in his column in the Daily Mail: “Where Ford stands apart from other England 10’s is his quick feet and ability to operate in the traffic close to the gain line.
“He has a superb eye for the break and a beautiful passing game. When he finds himself on the move in the outer channels, he makes the right decisions more often than not. He can get Twickenham rocking.
“Along with Danny Cipriani, he is the best attacking option England have at fly half. He has made a very accomplished start and needs to build on that beginning against Wales in Cardiff (the opening match of the 2015 Six Nations Championship).
And England coach Stuart Lancaster has been equally fulsome in his praise for Ford who plays for Bath where father Mike is head coach.
Lancaster said: “I think George was excellent. His emergence in the team has been a real bonus.
“There is a lot of pressure to come in and run a game, but I thought George did it well against Samoa. He looked incisive in his line breaks, he’s got an eye for the gap and his kicking was good.
“He took some hits and showed a great deal of bravery. It was a really positive start for him.
“At the time, I felt it was a good performance but, on review, it definitely was.”
Ford’s full debut was witnessed by the whole family as television cameras frequently panned into the crowd at Twickenham to spotlight on dad Mike, mum Sallyanne who was seen wincing when he was the victim of a hefty tackle, and older brother Joe.
You must be logged in to post a comment.