Steve Borthwick boosted by positive 62-word Sale Sharks update on England fly-half
Sale Sharks' brief injury update on George Ford will please Steve Borthwick.
Sale Sharks’ brief injury update on George Ford will please Steve Borthwick as the England fly-half could be fit for the Autumn Nations Series.
Alex Sanderson, Sale’s director of rugby, delivered a concerning update on Ford following the injury he sustained against Saracens in the Premiership.
The Sharks’ boss predicted that it would be a lengthy lay-off for the pivot even though he could not put an exact date on his possible return. However, the injury does not look to be as severe as Sanderson initially feared.
Sanderson and Borthwick’s fears eased
After missing the tour to Japan and New Zealand in July, Ford could mark his return to the England set-up this November when the Red Rose tackles the All Blacks, Wallabies, Springboks and Brave Blossoms.
This is after Sale confirmed that the veteran playmaker does not require surgery on the tear to his right quad.
“Sale Sharks can confirm that fly-half George Ford suffered a tear to his right quad during the early stages of the Gallagher Premiership round two game at Saracens on Saturday,” the statement from the club read.
“Following a positive consultation with a specialist it was decided that George does not require surgery and he will now begin his rehab ahead of a busy period for club and country.”
Marcus Smith v Fin Smith showdown OFF as England star answers Harlequins SOS
The update is a positive one for Borthwick and his England coaching team who will have the healthy headache of picking between Marcus Smith, Fin Smith and Ford as the starting number 10 to tackle the southern hemisphere giants and the Brave Blossoms, led by ex-England coach Eddie Jones.
Marcus Smith was the man entrusted with the starting role during the July internationals and has enjoyed a bright start to the season with Harlequins.
However, Borthwick backed his former Leicester Tigers pivot Ford during all five matches of the 2024 Six Nations.
Quins star Smith could turn out at full-back for Borthwick, a position he has featured sparingly for the Red Rose, and will get an opportunity to impress in the role against Northampton on Friday with Fin Smith starting at number 10 for Saints.
Borthwick will also be sweating over the fitness of Alex Mitchell who is also in doubt for the home Tests in November.
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