George primed to tackle Samoan muscle attack
GEORGE FORD is buckled in for the impact from Samoa’s human missiles at Twickenham today.
England have won all seven of their previous meetings with Samoa by an average margin of 20 points.
The last encounter – a 28-9 win for the Red Rose three years ago – was a typically bruising encounter against the passionate Pacific Islanders.
Skills
Fly-half Ford is expecting a further barrage and said: “I made my first start against Samoa and got done a couple of times then.
“Touch wood, I’ve never been in a car crash but I can imagine it’s as close to one as you can come.
“Our skills have got to be right on the money – our catch-pass stuff – because if not they’ll just come for you, flying off the line and wanting to hurt you.
“We’ve got to be sharp in terms of decision-making and make sure that ® we’re not predictable so they can see a play a mile away and afford to fly out of the line and hit someone.
“They energise themselves by making big hits and winning collisions.”
With Dylan Hartley benched, Ford will cocaptain the side along with Chris Robshaw in a novel move by coach Eddie Jones for the final autumn Test.
Ford added: “In the changing room before games Dylan always asks two or three lads to speak up and give us our focus for the game.
“Eddie wants me to look more at the attack and the backs and Robbo the defence and the forwards.
“In terms of what we do for penalties, I will keep having conversations with Chris.
“We will keep trying to make the best decision for the team and hopefully between Robbo and myself we can deal with the referee as well.”
Robshaw captained the side for four years under Jones’ predecessor Stuart Lancaster.
And today’s leadership return is more a support job for the likes of rookies Alex Lozowski, Charlie Ewels and Sam Simmonds.
Robshaw said: “A lot of guys have a chance this week, guys who have been training hard for this opportunity for a long time.
“For myself and George it’s about helping them feel confident and comfortable.” ENGLAND: Brown; May, Slade, Lozowski, Daly, Ford (co-captain), Care; Genge, George, Cole; Launchbury, Ewels; Itoje, Robshaw (co-capt), Simmonds. Replacements: Hartley, Marler, Williams, Isiekwe, Lawes, Youngs, Francis, Rokoduguni. SAMOA: Tuala; Perez, Fonotia, Leiua, Lemi; Nanai-Williams, Polataivao; Jordan Lay, Matu’u, Brighouse; Tyrell, Vui (captain); Faasalele, Ioane, Lam. Replacements: Leiataua, James Lay, Sasagi, Lemalu, Treviranus, Matavao, Lee-Lo, Taulagi. Ref: Andrew Brace (Ireland). TV: Sky Sports Action, 3pm.