Ford sticks up for Farrell

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.

Former Great Britain rugby league captain Farrell produced a poor performance during England's record 36-0 World Cup defeat against South Africa and has been dropped to the bench for Saturday's crunch Pool A clash against Samoa.

But Ford has now said: "He is a very good technical player in terms of passing, kicking, tackling and decision-making, and he has a real 'follow-me' attitude."

Within 48 hours of the Springboks drubbing, Ford said: "The 12 months Andy Farrell had out of the game injured has done him no favours in terms of his understanding of rugby union, and he is doing the best he can.

"It's probably a little too late in terms of his age to be where he wants to be, and we use him the best we can.

"He's a great leader in terms of his talking, but it is not as simple as saying we are not using Andy Farrell in the best way. You have to look at the bigger picture."

But England today issued a press release from Ford, which suggests an element of back-tracking by Farrell's ex-Saracens boss.

Ford now says: "I signed him (in March 2005) because I knew that he was a very special player and the attributes he had in rugby league he could translate to rugby union. Those players don't come along very often.

"In the game against France in Marseille I thought he did particularly well; he came on against the USA and impressed, and against a very good South African team he stood up and was counted.

"I think he will have an impact on this tournament, and even after the World Cup he has at least another two years at the top level."