Skip to content

George Ford: England only thinking about Australia in Melbourne

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

England fly-half George Ford admits the squad enjoyed their first test win against Australia, but every player is now ready for the second match

George Ford insists England will not rest on their laurels as they focus their attentions on trying to secure a series victory in this weekend's second Test against Australia in Melbourne.

The tourists won the first Test in Brisbane 39-28, and now Eddie Jones's squad will attempt to seal a first-ever series success Down Under when the teams meet again this Saturday.

Ford, who is expected to be recalled at fly-half for the second Test when Owen Farrell is likely to move to inside centre, told Sky Sports: "We're very happy with the win but the attention quickly turned to this week.

Live International Rugby Union

"We have another huge challenge and we know we must improve our performance if we want to get a good result. The lads are pretty focused.

"We've made sure we're professional in everything we do in terms of recovery and the review side of things.

George Ford of England kicks the ball through to set up a try for Jack Nowell against Australia
Image: George Ford set up Jack Nowell's try at the end of the Brisbane Test

"We spend a lot of time and effort looking at what we could have done better. We have to make sure we don't let the standards in training slip."

Looking ahead to facing the Wallabies, Ford added: "Australia will be desperate because they will be disappointed with the first result.

Also See:

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Highlights of England's 39-28 win over Australia in the first game of their three-Test series in Brisbane

"They played some good stuff in the first 20 minutes of that first Test and will aim to do that for the full 80.

"They'll bring physicality as always and will want to get one back on us, but we're desperate as well."

Ford, who started on the bench in Brisbane, joined the action after half-an-hour replacing Luther Burrell.

The reshuffle saw Farrell, the starting fly-half, replace Burrell at inside centre and the change in personnel provided the catalyst for England's fightback.

A bold early substitution by Jones was rewarded with arguably Ford's best performance in 24 caps, helping to set up tries for Marland Yarde and Jack Nowell.

Around Sky