JSD: That was the best since Jonny

FORMER Gloucester flyer James Simpson-Daniel says George Ford’s performance against Argentina last Satrurday was the best an England fly-half had played since the prime days of Jonny Wilkinson. 

- BEN JAYCOCK

Ford kicked all of England’s points in the 2710 victory, slotting three drop goals and six penalties as the Sale No 10 was instrumental in captain Owen Farrell’s absence through suspension.

Simpson-Daniel, who played 10 times for England and scored three tries between 2002-2008, described Ford’s performance as a ‘masterclass in game management’.

Speaking to OLBG, Simpson-Daniel said: “That was the best performance by an England fly-half since Jonny Wilkinson in his pomp. What he did was adapt, he has such a good brain. Everyone says he basically runs training like (Johnny) Sexton does for Ireland. He immediately adapted his performance to the conditions and the situation England found themselves in so early in the game. He changed everything, took the game by the scruff of the neck and literally bossed it. Keeping the scoreboard ticking over, his game management was outstanding.