Ford: I was braced for Samoa hits

GEORGE Ford breaks free from a would-be Samoa tackler.

Rugby Union: 

ENGLAND fly–half George Ford admits he was willing to soak up Samoa’s best shots as he demanded retention for the climax to the QBE Series against Australia by proving his Test match mettle.

Oldham-born Ford’s fine all–round performance was the highlight of a 28–9 victory at Twickenham which ended the five–match losing run.

Making his full debut after four replacement appearances, with Owen Farrell switching to inside centre, the 21–year–old kicked with intelligence and threatened the line to provide the cutting edge at fly–half England have been missing.

As impressive was the resilience the smallest player on the pitch showed when targeted with several ferocious hits, most notably a high tackle from John Leota which earned the Samoa centre a yellow card.

“I didn’t feel too bad after that, which surprised me really,” said Ford. “I just wanted to get back on my feet as quickly as possible.

“It was a good hit, but I didn’t think it was a yellow card. He read the play pretty well and you just get on with it.

“Samoa are always going to be a little bit different because they are massive men who love the physical battle. I wouldn’t say it was enjoyable to take those hits but you’ve got do it.”

Ford played a central role in two of England's three tries, directing the move that created a hole for Jonny May to exploit before spiralling a pinpoint crossfield kick to Anthony Watson, whose subsequent step and offload sent over Mike Brown.