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'Are there 3 better fly-halves in Britain and Ireland... I don’t think so'
By PA
Alex Sanderson backed George Ford for British and Irish Lions selection after Sale climbed to second in the Gallagher Premiership with a 25-7 home victory over play-off rivals Saracens.
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Both teams began the game on 44 points and knowing that victory would lift them behind Bath before the rest of this weekend’s fixtures.
A stunning first-half performance laid the platform for Sale’s win as they went 22-7 ahead at the break with tries from Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, Ford and Arron Reed.
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England fly-half Ford claimed a 15-point haul to press his claims for inclusion in the Lions squad for their summer tour of Australia.
As Andy Farrell prepares to name his squad next month, Sale director of rugby Sanderson said: “We were physical and really clinical at times – and we’re exactly where we want to be since we started setting targets after the Six Nations.
“We’ve got to win every game but George Ford is like a coach on the field. He can manage games and he can break the game evidently from his performance tonight.
“People have put other fly-halves ahead of him because of their attacking, game-breaking prowess. But I think he showed tonight that he’s got that in his game as well – what can’t he do?
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“Are there three better fly-halves in Britain and Ireland than George? I don’t think so. He’s in a rich vein of form and he’s taking his team with him – but it (Lions selection) is not down to me.”
Scotland winger Reed also earned special praise for the scintillating try he scored after racing from deep inside his own half.
Sanderson said: “Reedy was man of the match and it was a fantastic try.”
For Saracens counterpart Mark McCall it was a night to forget as his team’s play-off hopes were dealt a major blow.
Angus Hall scored a try before the break but McCall said of Sarries’ first-half display: “Sale are a good team and really tough to play against.
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“But when you don’t have that momentum and speed of ball, we were 22-0 down and that’s a mountain to climb.”
McCall, though, could certainly take great heart from the outstanding performance of England back-rower Tom Willis.
The number eight was so good that even Sale supporters applauded him off the field when he was replaced in the second half.
McCall added: “Tom has certainly grown up this season and for him to make the metres he made against a team like Sale, it takes some doing.
“For Tom to do some of the damage he did was outstanding and showed where he’s at. I think he should definitely be in the conversation for Lions selection.”
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To be honest, Finn Russell, Fin Smith, and Sam Prendergast are probably slightly ahead of Ford at the minute. Ford is probably the 4th best option ahead of Jack Crowley. Realistically they are the only people who could/should be anywhere near selection. Farrell is past it, Marcus never had it and might be below Donoghue in the England pecking order now.
Are there 3 better fly half’s.
Well. Yes.
Ok ford has played very well the last 2 games and unbelieavably, actually scored a try.
Ok it was just a run in but at least for the first time in years he was actually up there with the attack. First one for 2 full seasons .
Smiths form Has dropped for now , ditto Russell , fin Smith quiet too, but don’t be fooled.
Ford only shows up when the forwards are bossing the game and he has time to show his skills. His line kicking is patchy though to say the least .
Brilliant every now and again but mostly just safety first.
The Aussies would without doubt target his poor defence and lack of bottle so give me any of the above plus Crowley the other guy .
So actually 6th .
one day you will admit you were wrong to have jumped aboard the mAArcus smith hype train
what a sad little life you continue to lead in the meantime!
You're second so atleast one 😜