Master craftsman Ford, 31, was outstanding throughout as Alex Sanderson’s Sharks racked up a bonus-point win in filthy conditions of driving wind and rain.
The England fly-half’s intelligent game-management expertly guided them around the rainsoaked field as Luke James and Joe Carpenter scored before the break.
A penalty try and Jonny Hill’s late score ensured a maximum five-point haul to leave Sanderson delighted.
The Sale boss beamed: “George is just a genius and, when the weather is so bad, it’s just about putting the ball back in your opponents’ half.
“It’s about repeat pressure to maul and pickand-go because this was one of those days when you have to do the hard yards.
“George will always take the smarter option – the low-risk, high percentage play, particularly on a night like tonight.
“He was like a strategic rugby god out there. He was fantastic.”
This story is from the December 22, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
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This story is from the December 22, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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