England hero George Ford dropped to the bench for next Rugby World Cup encounter – report
George Ford alongside Marcus Smith during England's Rugby World Cup clash with Japan.
Owen Farrell will return from suspension and start for England in their next clash in the Rugby World Cup against Chile, according to reports.
According to The Telegraph, it will come at the expense of George Ford, who will take his place among the replacements.
Ford was the match-winner as a 14-man Red Rose outfit defeated Argentina 27-10 before he once again impressed in the 34-12 victory over Japan.
Experimenting
However, Steve Borthwick is looking to change it up against World Cup debutants Chile, who are the lowest ranked team in Pool D.
With Farrell returning from the four-match ban he received last month, the head coach is looking to get him out on the field as quickly as possible.
Reports indicate that he will not attempt the Ford-Farrell combination from the start, but could put them in tandem later in that match.
That will see all three fly-halves on the pitch at the same time with Marcus Smith set to be trialled at full-back from the beginning of the game.
Smith made an impact in that position late on against Japan and is set to be selected ahead of Freddie Steward, who is one of those that will be rested.
Backs coach Richard Wigglesworth revealed in a press conference on Monday that selecting Ford, Farrell and Smith in the backline is being discussed.
“Not unthinkable”
“It’s not unthinkable but it is about what else is around them,” Wigglesworth said. “You have to have a balance around them. We also have Elliot Daly who can run and pass as well, but it is about making the balance right. If you do that, it is not unthinkable.
“I also think that we will develop as the tournament goes on. We have been working incredibly hard to get it right.”
The Telegraph are also reporting that Courtney Lawes, who has captained in the absence of Farrell, is set to be rested alongside Manu Tuilagi.
Jack Willis and David Ribbans, meanwhile, will make their first appearances at the 2023 World Cup.
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