Ford in driving seat for major tests

RUGBY UNION: 

GEORGE Ford insists it’s all systems go for 2015 after the fly-half helped England to complete their autumn internationals in style.

The Oldhamer played the full 80 minutes as England bagged a much-needed southern hemisphere scalp ahead of next year’s World Cup, Australia going down 26-17 at Twickenham.

The 22 year old chipped in with 16 points as he further staked his claim to be handed the No.10 shirt permanently.

The Australia clash was only Ford’s second international start at fly-half, but he put in an assured performance.

And Ford admits he is now champing at the bit as he eyes a role in next year’s Six Nations and World Cup campaigns.

He said: “There is still lots to work on, but you cannot beat the feeling in that dressing room. It’s huge to get that bit of momentum.

“There is a lot that is going to happen between now and the first game (in the Six Nations), but Wales away on a Friday night is going to be a game where it is going to be about doing the basics really well, letting the forwards do what they do, grinding away and building a score.”