Ford preparing for Samoa onslaught

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Samoa's surprise 19-15 defeat against Tonga in Montpellier on Sunday has potentially eased England's quarter-final passage, but the Webb Ellis Trophy holders still need to beat Samoa in Nantes next weekend - and then Tonga at Parc des Princes six days later - to clinch a probable quarter-final appointment with Australia.

Ford said: "Samoa run a million miles an hour at you, and they've got a great off-loading game which always creates problems should they have a good day at the office. For 45 minutes against South Africa, they were in the game."

He added: "The longer these teams are in the game, the more confidence they gain - and it becomes a little bit harder."

England's first task on Monday was to bid Newcastle centre Jamie Noon farewell, after a knee ligament injury sustained against the Springboks ended his World Cup.

No decision has yet been made on a possible replacement, but Noon's Falcons colleague Toby Flood is favourite to replace him.

Elsewhere, full-back Jason Robinson (hamstring) will remain with the squad - although it is likely he will not be available until the quarter-final; fly-halves Jonny Wilkinson (ankle ligament sprain) and Olly Barkley (hip) should be in contention to face Samoa.

Head coach Brian Ashton is expected to announce his starting line-up on Tuesday, and England know the time for talking is over.