CONT ON BLUES WIN
FORMULA ONE THE BELGIAN GRAND PRIX
GEORGE FORD’S new club boss has tipped the Bath fly-half to become the next Dan Carter – and he should know.
Former All Black Todd Blackadder coached the legendary Carter at the Crusaders in Super Rugby, but is now in charge at the Rec after arriving in England last week.
Blackadder only met the players last Thursday, but has already seen enough of Ford to promote him to the DAN CARTER Born: March 5, 1982 Height: 5ft 10in Weight: 14st 11lb Clubs: Canterbury, Crusaders, Perpignan, Racing 82 New Zealand caps: 112 International points: 1,598 GEORGE FORD Born: March 16, 1993 Height: 5ft 9in Weight: 13st 3lb Clubs: Leicester, Leeds, Bath England caps: 26 International points: 144 vice-captaincy of the club, aged just 23.
And the New Zealander reckons Ford could be the English version of Carter and current All Black No.10 Beauden Barrett.
Blackadder (right) said: “I would put him right up there with Barrett and Carter – that guy is unbelievable. They are very much the same.
“You saw the way he led for England against Australia. He has vision, he sees opportunities, he has a skill set to execute those decisions, he has a great pass and a great kick and he is tough.
“He is still young, so he has a little bit of time, but it is all there – he has got everything to be a world-class No.10.
“I used to say why is Carter world class? It is because he defends – he puts his body on the line. He tackles and I see that in George.
“He has all the attacking flair and ability, but puts his body on the line.” Ford’s future at the club was in question when his dad Mike was sacked as boss at the end of last season. But Blackadder says the youngster has put all that on the back burner after fronting up to his coach. He added: “He is going to be a player of a generation. He is a natural leader – he has been really open with me.
“These things are pretty tough and family always comes first, but I have so much respect for him because you’d never know.”
Ford’s midfield partner with England, Owen Farrell, is facing a race against time to be fit for Saracens’ opening Premiership game against Worcester on September 3.
He has a sore back and has missed pre-season matches, including last night’s run-out against London Scottish.
Sarries’ director of rugby Mark McCall said: “We’ll have to see how it is at the start of next week.” AFTER nearly being embarrassed by Bristol Rovers in the EFL Cup this week, Antonio Conte will be alert to a Premier League upset.
But after beating Liverpool last week, Burnley and opposite number Sean Dyche (left) will be full of confidence tomorrow.
It is a game between a side adapting to their new manager, and another that’s set in his ways.
Expect Burnley to unsettle Chelsea with their counterattacking style. Yet, I still fancy the Blues to edge this by the odd goal. Ladbrokes are 8/1 for Chelsea to win 1-0.