George never met Barry John, but as an experienced No.10 and rugby enthusiast, the England fly-half is well aware of the impact of the Welsh playmaker known as ‘The King’.
“I’ve seen footage and I know what a legend of the game he was and what he did for Wales in that No. 10 shirt,” Ford – who is on the verge of winning a 93rd Test cap – said of John, who plays much less often played. for his country, but left an indelible mark on his sport.
“When something like that happens, the whole nation gets a little more galvanized, I think, and they get behind it.”
The man charged with putting together a more comprehensive England game plan, weather permitting, is now 30 and no longer part of a perennial double act with Owen Farrell. For years, Ford was always at his friend’s side or replacing him.
There have been few occasions when he has had long-term ownership of the number 10 shirt, as is now the likely scenario following Farrell’s decision to step away from international rugby.
George Ford is seizing the opportunity as England’s starting No.10 for this year’s Six Nations
Throughout his career, Ford (R) was part of a perennial double act with Owen Farrell (C)
“Since I made my debut the one constant has been the debate over who plays No. 10 for England,” Ford said.
“Even before I joined the England team, my dad was coaching and it was exactly the same. That has always been the case. You get used to the outside noise. Everyone has their opinion about who should play and the way England should play.’
Too often in Ford’s testing career, highs were followed by lows. High achievements were followed by setbacks. When a reshuffle was appropriate, he has often been the selection victim. Just last autumn he was imperious in the early World Cup pool wins over Argentina and Japan, but then found himself among the substitutes when Farrell returned from suspension.
Learning to cope has been a gradual process. ‘I have experienced all the emotions; frustrated, disappointed, upset, angry – because it means a lot,” Ford said. ‘What these experiences have done is that I can deal with those moments better and remain somewhat neutral about them.
“When I was younger, you start and play every week, then you fall off, you’re at a low point and it’s a rollercoaster ride. While now you’re still going through the emotions, but you’re starting to accept whatever my role is again – and always support myself to keep getting better and get a new chance.’
It’s the life of a 10; the player above all others on any team, where every little aspect of his game is endlessly forensically examined, analyzed and criticized. “It’s like being a quarterback in the NFL – the responsibility that comes with it,” he added. “If you’re not the man, and you have a setback, you have to make a decision at that moment: Do you throw your toys out of the stroller or do you say ‘just stop this’ and come out better?”
Ford has kept coming back and believes he has continued to improve as well. Now he is the most important figure and does not operate in Farrell’s shadow. It has been a noticeable shift. “Owen has been here so long,” he said. “He’s been such an integral part. He has been our captain and a tremendous leader for us. He stamps his authority on our team. So now that he’s not here, of course it’s different.’
Too often in Ford’s testing career, highs have been followed by lows, and he has learned to deal with them
Ford is desperate to ‘lead the team’ and ‘manage the game’ for Steve Borthwick’s England side
With Marcus Smith currently injured and Finn Smith still learning the ropes at international level, Ford will retain the baton throughout this campaign following a debut in Rome last weekend if he remains fit. That stability should bring its own benefits in the coming weeks.
“You want to lead the team,” he said. ‘It is your responsibility as a 10 to manage the game, make good decisions for the team and dominate the game through field position and building pressure on the opponent. To achieve this you naturally want to play week in, week out and build relationships.’