Ford is ready to step up and take charge

CONFIDENT George Ford insists he is ready to take hold of the England No 10 jersey if, as expected, he is given that chance against Samoa.
England's George Ford scores a penalty during the QBE International at Twickenham, London.England's George Ford scores a penalty during the QBE International at Twickenham, London.
England's George Ford scores a penalty during the QBE International at Twickenham, London.

The prodigious fly-half came off the bench to replace Owen Farrell for a 15-minute cameo in Saturday’s frustrating 31-28 loss against South Africa at Twickenham.

It was the 21-year-old’s third taste of action for his country but all those games so far have been as a replacement.

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With British Lion Farrell struggling with form and fitness – there was some sarcastic applause from the crowd when he and scrum-half Danny Care were finally relieved of duty – there is a clear opportunity for the Bath tyro to demonstrate he has not just the obvious ability but temperament to take control.

“I think I am ready,” said Ford, who had a loan spell with Leeds Carnegie in 2011-12 after being named International Junior Player of the Year.

“Obviously I really want a chance. We just need to come together as a team, be cohesive and get that understanding together, as in international rugby, more than anything, you need to get each other’s game. You can’t go off on your own, on a tangent.

“We have to have better decision-making and play smarter.

“New Zealand and South Africa showed if you make mistakes they punish you.

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“Any game you start for England is a big chance and it is going to be a big week.

“Samoa are a very physical team, a bit like South Africa, so we will have to learn the lessons and come here ready for a big battle next Saturday.”