‘Ford destined for greatness’ – Jones

Editor

England boss Eddie Jones has backed George Ford to become an English rugby great despite a tricky start to his international career.

Ford has now established himself as a regular in Jones’ starting 15 but has struggled for form since England’s disastrous World Cup campaign where they failed to make it out of the group stages of the tournament they hosted.

However, at just 22 years of age, Jones insists the Bath stalwart is still learning what it takes to boss an international rugby side from the fly-half position.

“George is 22, but he looks 15,” joked Jones on Saturday.

“He’s 22 and he has played 19 Tests. He’s just finding his feet. He’ll be at his best when he is 25 or 26.

“He’s got talent, an exceptional pass, good vision and a good kicking game. The consistency of a Test 10 is not going to come at 23, it’s going to come later down the track.

“George is a master player in progress. He will have ups and downs.

“Jonny Wilkinson had his first game at 18 and soon after got beaten 76-0. If you watched him in that game, you’d never pick him again.”