George Ford a ‘cheat code’ as Sale Sharks captain Ben Curry demands ‘more recognition’ for Lions snub
George Ford lauded by Sale Sharks team-mate Ben Curry.
Sale Sharks captain Ben Curry believes in-form George Ford deserves greater respect and recognition after making another mockery of his British & Irish Lions snub.
England fly-half Ford, 32, was hugely instrumental on Friday night as Alex Sanderson’s men beat Bristol 41-27 to boost their play-off hopes.
But despite winning 99 Red Rose caps, Ford has never represented the Lions and has been overlooked for this summer’s Australia tour.
Latest masterclass
Ford‘s latest masterclass raised more questions over his Lions exclusion but also confirmed he is enjoying some of the best form of his distinguished career.
Back-rower Curry, also omitted from Andy Farrell’s Lions squad, said: “Fordy is a little ‘cheat code’ isn’t he?
“Especially for me being captain, my life is so easy because you can just sit back and let him do his thing.
“Although he doesn’t have the label, he’s unbelievable not just with his rugby and what he says on the pitch but off it too.
“He’s a proper standard-bearer and just seems to get it right every time.
“I don’t think there are many players in the world who are like him and I’d love everyone to experience a day with him.
“He’s unbelievable to play with and you see him mentioned in the press.
“Al (Sanderson) talks about him, I’m talking about him and even with England, Steve (Borthwick) talks about him.
“But he needs more recognition. I personally think that his consistency sets him apart.
“But Fordy has been around for 12 or 13 years now and, in terms of building a proper, consistent winning team, he’s the first name you look at.
“I just think he probably needs more respect from you guys [the media].”
Victory against Bristol was of monumental importance for Sale after they lost at Leicester seven days earlier.
After beating the Bears, Sale know that a final-day victory at Exeter Chiefs on May 31 would seal a play-off spot for the third successive season.
Curry, who enjoyed a fine game against Pat Lam’s men, revealed the mood in the Sharks’ camp was “dark” after their Welford Road defeat.
The uncompromising flanker continued: “It has been a tough week, it hasn’t been easy, after the loss at Leicester.
“It hit us really hard and Monday was really tough.
“We spoke about it and we are an emotional group, which has its pros and cons.
“In terms of that emotion on Monday, it was dark – but I think we’ve got an ability in the team to have those honest conversations.
Sale character
“The way we responded against Bristol showed a lot about the character in the group.
“We’ve got two weeks now to build towards Exeter and we’ll enjoy the weekend, but there’s still a lot of work to be done.
“It was disappointing to concede two late tries against Bristol but it shows we still have levels to go.”
A number of players are leaving Sale at the end of the season and Curry added: “We want to send them off with a trophy.”
