People have been waiting for years for George Ford to roll off English rugby’s production line and finally the moment has arrived.
The former world junior player of the year has had to watch his friend Owen Farrell whirl the outhalf’s baton for the past two seasons but a first cap off the bench now looms for the 20-year-old against Ireland on Saturday.
No one who has seen Ford play since December will be surprised at his elevation to the match-day 23 and he could become a fixture for the next decade or more. There is even a touch of symmetry about his selection for this fixture, Jonny Wilkinson having also kicked off his illustrious Test career as a replacement against Ireland at Twickenham in 1998.
At what stage he succeeds in usurping the warrior-like Farrell as England’s number 10 remains to be seen but the national management know they have to give him game-time now if he is to play a significant role in next year’s Rugby World Cup. Even Farrell’s father, Andy, believes it is potentially excellent news for the team to have two talented young outhalves fighting tooth and nail for the same jersey.
"If he is to be good for England, he definitely should [put pressure on Owen]," said Farrell Sr. "I don't think it's any different in any walk of life, whether it be business or sport. There's always somebody on the rails who's challenging and who you're trying to compete with. If they sit down and think about it, they've both helped each other get to where they're at."
Already impressed
Last summer's move from Leicester to Bath, where his father, Mike Ford, is head coach, has also given Ford Jr the regular game-time he was craving. He is not an imposing physical specimen but he has already impressed with his vision, speed and awareness. "George Ford is a fantastic player," the Northampton centre Luther Burrell said. "He has a good knowledge of the game and sees things other fly-halves won't see. He is also really sharp. When he does make the step up I think he will grab it with both hands. He is playing with his chest out and with a lot of confidence."
Ireland may still look to send their big ball-carriers in the newcomer's direction if and when he takes the field but Farrell Sr says Ford will handle it. "I don't see him missing many tackles or shirking anything. International level is a step up but the pace and intensity of the game is something smart players deal with."
Only change
The only change to the home starting XV is set to be at tighthead, where David Wilson is standing by to replace the injured Dan Cole. Brad Barritt drops out of the 23 to accommodate Ford, with Alex Goode retained as specialist fullback cover against an Ireland team who will look to test England's back three in the air.
Burrell, after two Heineken Cup meetings between Northampton and Leinster, is looking forward to reacquaintance with his opposite number Brian O’Driscoll, who is set to play at Twickenham for the final time.
O’Driscoll missed training yesterday because of a bug but is still expected to play and Burrell, who has scored tries in his first two Tests, said: “It’s going to be a huge honour. It’s something I never thought would happen. I am going to respect him but for 80 minutes we will be enemies. Hopefully come the final whistle England will have won and I can have a chat with him and pick his brains.”
Burrell does accept that England’s backs will have to defend tightly. “This weekend will be a huge challenge and a huge step up, not just for me but as a back line because they run well and attack that wide channel.”
The management are also stressing the need to be alert to danger when Ireland win possession.
“You’ve got to be on the ball,” Farrell Sr said. “Everyone talks about a physical battle but, when you’re coming up against wily old characters like Drico and Jonny Sexton, you’ve got to be smart.
"They're very good at coming up with a plan and that plan can be different from week to week. You've got to expect the unexpected."
Guardian Service
