Without doubt, Ford’s found fresh gears since Bath exit

WELCOME to the new, improved, Ford. In this case, however, the model is called George rather than describing the latest product off the car company’s production line.

George Ford did not play badly for England last season despite the sense that he was less confident and assured then he was during the 2016 Grand Slam campaign and triumphant Australia tour. The deficit was evident in his form for Bath, who did not see the best of the fly-half in his last season at the club before rejoining Leicester.

The inconsistency resulted in Ford missing out on the Lions tour to NZ, and instead he went on England’s tour of Argentina with ground to make up – especially as calls for Owen Farrell to supplant him as red rose fly-half had grown louder during the season.

Ford’s response in the two victories against the Pumas was emphatic. He was transformed, playing with the confidence and attacking elan that had seen him touted as English rugby’s child prodigy since becoming the youngest player to make his professional debut, when he did so at 16 for Leicester.

What was most noticeable was that the doubts that had crept into his game were banished. His try in a humdinger of a first Test in San Juan said it all as he snapped up a loose Argentine pass in the England half, and, after exchanging passes with new cap Piers Francis, raced away to score.

Ford’s pace stood out as he showed the Argentine cover a clean pair of heels for a try from 40 metres out. He looked stronger, faster and fitter than at any time in his career, and the goal-kicking yips that have plagued him were nowhere in sight as, under pressure, he hit the target from all angles and distances.

Ford has put down his marker as the competition for places in the England backline heats up in the build-up towards the 2019 World Cup – and at the moment the double play-maker option of him at 10 and Farrell at 12 looks set to continue.