George Ford primed for England recall as Steve Borthwick shuffles his pack
Rugby NewsSaturday, 18 February 2023 at 19:34
Sale Sharks fly-half George Ford is set to be recalled by England ahead of the match with Wales in the 2023 Six Nations.
Ford frequently talks to Borthwick and strongly argues in favor of being recalled. According to him, playing as the No. 10 in Test rugby is not primarily about showy plays.
“I want to be in it again,” said Ford, who was speaking to The Times.
“I’m 29 now and I feel like my best rugby is ahead of me. I know it’s a bit of an easy thing to say. Obviously, I’ve got to show that week-in, week-out.”
Having been away for a long time and with only 40 minutes of rugby experience, Ford is optimistic that it is realistic for him to aim to play in this year's Six Nations.
“Of course I do,” he says.
“I feel more energised and refreshed than I’ve ever known. Don’t get me wrong, in the first couple of weeks you feel like it’s 100-miles-an-hour chaos again, things happening everywhere.
"But you slowly get that feeling, awareness and instinctiveness back in your game. It slows down again so you feel like you’ve got time on the ball.
“At fly half, experience is invaluable, especially at the top level,”
“I reckon you will be at your best at 31, 32. You see it all the time — look at Johnny Sexton and Dan Carter. He was probably playing his best rugby then. Jonny [Wilkinson] probably played his best rugby at Toulon in that period of his career.
" It’s a weird thing. Test rugby is different. You’ve got to understand the game and think clearly a bit more — it’s not so much about the big moments or the flash moments.
“It’s ‘what can I do for the team to put them in the right position? How can I influence the team to build pressure?’ Obviously you need a little bit of creativity to score points.
"That’s what I find fascinating about Test rugby — especially in the game-managers positions at nine and ten. Experience is invaluable in those positions.”
“Form wing in England” – 5 players Steve Borthwick should call-up
Here, we list five players England head coach Steve Borthwick could call-up following the weekend's Premiership action.
#1. Ollie Thorley (Gloucester)
Gloucestershire Live: "Another superb display from the winger. Fast, athletic, abrasive and a constant threat across the pitch.
"Gloucester got the ball into his hands as much as possible and reaped the rewards of it as the game went on. In the air he was faultless, firstly for his try where he rose above Nick David to score acrobatically, and from then on throughout the game he ruled the skies with some safe work.
"Racked up 61 metres from just six carries, and dragged the defence every-which way during his performance.
"A joy to watch in full flight and arguably the form wing in England."
#2. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks)
Tom Curry sent a message to Steve Borthwick after scoring on his return for Sale Sharks against Northampton Saints.
The England flanker, back after six weeks out, burst through to extend Sharks lead late on.
#3. Harry Randall (Bristol Bears)
Bristol Live: "Began with tempo and control causing confusion in the Falcons backfield before setting the game alight as he ran a great support line to gather the ball and score a cracking try.
"Gave the side plenty of zip and tempo in attack and after Naulago looked like he had bombed a certain score the scrum half reset the attack before sniping over for his second to give the Bears the perfect start to the second period.
"The game became a little bit scrappy but the scrumhalf managed the game superbly in the wet conditions and with Bristol a man down, he was a key factor in his side getting a much needed win.
"Came off on the last play to a deserved standing ovation from the Ashton Gate faithful."
Harry Randall of Bristol Bears during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bristol Bears and Bath Rugby at Ashton Gate on 10 September. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#4. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby)
The flanker was one of Bath's better performers as the black, blue and whites feel to defeat against London Irish.
Sam Underhill of Bath Rugby on the break during the Gallagher Premiership match between Exeter Chiefs and Bath at Sandy Park, Exeter on 24th December 2022. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#5. Fitz Harding (Bristol Bears)
Bristol Live: "Quieter in attack than other forwards but was defensively outstanding. His industry and effort were summed up by a miraculous tackle where he held up Gary Graham to deny him and Newcastle a second try moments before half-time.
"Continued his remarkable work rate, finished having made 20 tackles and just when the Bears thought the chance had gone the flanker gathered the ball and dove over the line to secure a massive bonus-point win for the Bristol Bears.
"A great showing from the flanker."
Fitz Harding of Bristol Bears looks dejected after losing during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bristol Bears and Saracens at Ashton Gate on 5 November. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
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