FORD DRIVES TIGERS TO RECORD VICTORY

STEVE BORTHWICK saw George Ford make a mockery of his England snub – and thanked his lucky stars the fly-half is at Leicester.

Ford (right) scored 20 points in a masterclass but opposite number Dan Biggar gave Wales an injury scare when he failed to appear after half-time after suffering an ankle injury.

Biggar, who was ineligible to play for Wayne Pivac’s side against the All Blacks because he plays in the Premiership and the game was out of the Test window, was set to face South Africa next

Saturday.

The 92-capper will join Wales to today to be assessed.

Ford showed he was in the mood with a 70m 50-22 kick from under his posts in the early stages and even played at No.9 when Richard Wigglesworth was sin-binned.

He smashed home a 40m drop goal and kept Saints out even when Tigers were down to 13 with Wigglesworth and No.8 Jasper Wiese yellowcarded.

Tigers coach Borthwick said: “He was absolute class. You look at his ability to kick a 50-22 from under his own posts, it is just fabulous. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to coach him but it is me who learns from him.”

Saints were 27-5 down at the break, with Leicester’s giant Fijian wing Nemani Nadolo scoring twice.

Scrum-half Alex Mitchell inspired a mini-comeback but Ford’s mastery guided the visitors to their biggest