Ford To Start For England Against Australia

George Ford is set to start at fly-half for England against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.

The Bath No 10 was given his first start in last Saturday’s 28-9 victory over Samoa, an opportunity he took with both hands with a fine all-round performance.

And Lancaster told Sky Sports News HQ that Ford deserves another shot in what is likely to be a far tougher game against the Wallabies.

Lancaster said: “George’s goal-kicking was good, his kicking in general was good. We could have managed the game better as a team but when George took it on I thought he did it really well. His re-starts were excellent, his eye for a break was good. Obviously we created opportunities…he was calm and composed.

“It was the right game to bring him in – Australia is another step up. He probably deserves to keep the shirt.”

Owen Farrell, previously first choice fly-half, played at 12 against the Samoans, and he will now be in a battle to keep his place on Saturday, with Gloucester’s Billy Twelvetrees challenging strongly for a starting place.

Lancaster added: “I was pleased with both (Farrell and Ford). Owen has obviously made a good contribution supporting George.

"It’s underestimated, that on-field communication. It was his communication for that kick-across for Anthony Watson (setting up Mike Brown’s try). Ben Youngs has done the same and taken some of the pressure of George.

“Billy Twelvetrees has responded well to the feedback we’ve given him, when we didn’t pick him at the start. He’s stepped up and made a good contribution from the bench. He’s someone we’ll definitely look at for the weekend.”

Lancaster confirmed that Bath's Kyle Eastmond will not feature against the Aussies.

"I want to use this series to look at players. Kyle had those two chances. I think he's going to go back to Bath and play for them at the weekend. This series is about creating an opportunity for players, to see what they can deliver. I've got to get that squad right for the World Cup and now's the time to look at those options.

"We always wanted to have a look at Owen at 12. It's something we might do again."

Lock Courtney Lawes suffered a hyper-extension of his knee against Samoa, but Lancaster has not yet ruled him out of Saturday's showdown.

"We're reasonably optimistic," said Lancaster. "I don't think he'll train until Thursday. It's definitely not as bad as first feared. He's responding well to treatment. We're optimistic, but it might be touch and go."

Lawes' absence would be a blow for England, but Lancaster says Saracens lock George Kruis impressed him against the Samoans.

"I thought George Kruis made his best contribution off the bench, very composed at the line-out, took some good ball. There was more physicality - that's what we wanted," he said.