TRUSTY FORD

Borthwick can rely on George to step in

- ALEX SPINK

ENGLAND 19

WALES 17

WHEN George Ford entered the fray England had 15 men on the field and led Wales by six points.

There were 20-odd minutes to play and no sense either of the drama to come, or the opportunity about to knock for the Sale fly-half.

Before he knew it England were down to 13 and behind on the scoreboard. He blinked again and Owen Farrell was gone, blowing a gaping hole in plans for the World Cup.

Ford has not started a Test for England since March 2021, when 22time capped rival Marcus Smith had still to make his debut. But he knew what he had to do.