Borthwick goes back to the future as Ford and Farrell get the nod

GEORGE FORD, Owen Farrell and Manu Tuilagi will start in midfield for the first time under Steve Borthwick in England’s World Cup clash against Samoa.

- Nick Purewal

Ford and Farrell will combine as dual playmakers in Lille on Saturday in the final round of Pool D action.

Sale creator Ford will start at fly-half, with Saracens talisman Farrell captaining England from inside centre.

Head coach Borthwick will pair Ford and Farrell together from the start in an experienced 10-12 axis for the first time since taking the England helm in December.

Tuilagi will face his country of birth for the first time in his career when starting at outside centre. The 32-yearold Sale star will be pumped up for a proud and emotional day, both for himself and his family.

England have already qualified for the quarter-finals with a pool game to spare, but will be at full-strength against former London Irish centre Seilala Mapusua’s potent Samoa side.

Ford and Farrell have been operating in tandem at 10 and 12 for England teams dating all the way back to the Under-16s. Half their lives later, Ford with 88 caps and 30 years old, and 32-year-old Farrell, boasting 108 caps, are back together as an inside-back duo.