Sale Sharks director of rugby Alex Sanderson has thrown his weight behind fly-half George Ford’s candidacy for the British and Irish Lions tour this summer. Ford’s scintillating performance in Sale’s 39-15 victory over Newcastle Falcons has reignited the debate about his potential selection for the prestigious tour.
Ford was in sublime form, providing two assists and scoring 14 points off the tee, including a pinpoint cross-field kick that allowed Joe Carpenter to score. This masterclass follows his impressive cameo off the bench in England’s 68-14 win over Wales in the Six Nations.
Sanderson believes that Ford’s experience, leadership qualities, and exceptional skillset make him an irresistible choice for the Lions squad. “It would be very hard not to pick him if he plays like that for the next seven games,” Sanderson asserted. “Plus, the experience he’s got and what he brings you in the week, he’s like a coach on the field.”
Ford’s ability to bring people together and his exceptional character make him an invaluable asset to any team. Sanderson highlighted Ford’s unique strengths, saying, “In a Lions squad where you’ve got to bring people together, George is a brilliant character at doing that, and he helps me out all the time with that.”
However, Ford faces stiff competition for a spot in the Lions squad, with fly-half being one of the most contested positions. Finn Russell, Marcus Smith, Sam Prendergast, and Jack Crowley are all strong contenders, while Owen Farrell, Ford’s long-time friend and former teammate, could also be in the mix despite currently playing for Racing 92.
With 99 England caps to his name, Ford is one of the most experienced options at fly-half. Sanderson’s endorsement and Ford’s recent performances have certainly strengthened his case for inclusion in the Lions squad. As the selection process unfolds, it will be fascinating to see whether Ford’s talents and experience will earn him a coveted spot on the tour.