FORD FIESTA

Outside-half George has a chance to step out of the shadows after starring in comeback win following Farrell's red card shame against Wales

- ALEX SPINK

WHEN George Ford entered the fray England had 15 men on the field and led Wales by six points.

There were 20-odd minutes to play and no sense either of the drama to come, or the opportunity about to knock for the Sale fly-half.

Before he knew it England were down to 13 and behind on the scoreboard.

He blinked again and Owen Farrell was gone, blowing a gaping hole in plans for the World Cup.

Ford has not started a Test for England since March 2021, when 22-time capped rival Marcus Smith had still to make his debut. But he knew what he had to do.

What followed was remarkable in that England came back to win with 12 men (above left, Maro Itoje celebrating), snap a three-game losing streak and offer up a measure of consolation to offset the angst of the afternoon.