Ford back at 10 after again proving his worth

BAGSHOT, England :Despite amassing 102 caps it seems as if George Ford has spent his entire 11-year career battling to establish himself as England's first-choice flyhalf, but he will wear the number 10 shirt again against Australia on Saturday after impressing coach Steve Borthwick on and off the pitch.

Ford made his debut in 2014 and though he has had long spells as a starter, he was often also usurped by Owen Farrell and then a succession of others.

As recently as 2023, Ford was man of the match in England’s World Cup opening win over Argentina but was again dropped later in the tournament.

Marcus Smith was the golden boy for a while, quickly followed by Fin Smith, but with both men involved with the British and Irish Lions this year Ford took the reins for two tests in Argentina and another in the United States.

He played superbly in all three and continued that form at Sale once the Premiership got underway, as the Smiths had to kick their heels during their post-Lions mandatory rest period.

Despite the preponderance of Northampton players across the back line, Borthwick opted not to start another Saint – Fin Smith – instead putting him on the bench and starting with Ford, who is still only 32.

"I think George started the season playing really well for Sale, did really well over the summer in Argentina from his performance point of view and also his leadership point of view," Borthwick told reporters at the team’s Pennyhill Park training base on Tuesday.

Ford has always been a team-first operator, something Borthwick holds in high regard, and the coach said he highlighted to others Ford’s attitude during the periods when he was being overlooked.

“When I announced the team, I spoke to the players about George Ford, about