Tigers woes have left Ford purring

GEORGE FORD believes that in Japan he is reaping the benefits of a spell in the doldrums with Leicester.

The fly-half was on form again yesterday in England’s 39-10 win over Argentina, playing behind a pack that gave him plenty of ball.

It was a different story at Welford Road last season, where he was starved of quality possession and the Tigers spluttered to 11th place in the Premiership and failed to qualify for the Champions Cup for the first time.

But Ford thinks the dismal campaign might have done him a favour as he has helped England qualify for the last eight with three wins out of three behind a vastly superior pack to the one he was playing outside at club level.

Ford, who won his 62nd cap yesterday, said: ‘It probably was helpful in a funny sort of way. We had a real struggle last year and I was probably not on the front foot a lot of the time at club level. I had to learn how to play and keep the team in it a little bit more so it probably stood me in good stead.

‘I like to get the ball and get to the line and play an attacking game and with this England pack you are going to get chances to do that. I feel in a good place myself but the pack is incredible when they play like that.’

England play France in their final group match next Saturday in Yokohama, with a last-eight spot secure but the top spot in Pool C likely to be on the line.

Ford, an avid rugby watcher, will have an eye on France’s game against Tonga today.

He added: ‘They have some great athletes and we are going to have to be at our best next week.’