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Will Greenwood believes George Ford is still in pole position to start at No 10
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England faces Australia on Saturday in Brisbane, live on Sky Sports
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Uncapped centre Ben Te’o misses England training session
England legend Will Greenwood is confident that Eddie Jones will stick with George Ford at number 10 despite his downturn in form.
Ford, who has played in all six of Jones’ Test matches so far, missed six of his seven kicks as England overcame Wales 27-13 at Twickenham last weekend while his form for Bath towards the end of the season was okay at best.
Greenwood though is confident the Australian will remain loyal to the side that secured England’s first Grand Slam title since 2003.
“I think George Ford will still be in pole position in terms of Eddie Jones,” Greenwood told Sky Sports News HQ.
“I am a big fan of George Ford, the crowd of course will look to his kicking stats – but don’t worry about them. Farrell will step up and nail five out of six, but Jones is trying to find that balance and fluidity to his backline that is not quite there.
“Although they scored five tries against Wales, it was a bit clunky and needs a bit of WD40. If Jones does not go with Ford then he will have Farrell at No 10 and move Luther Burrell straight into the inside centre slot.
“But I don’t envisage many changes – Jones is not afraid of pulling rabbits out of hats but he is enormously loyal to the players who do him proud and pull off the big wins.”
Meanwhile, Rugby league convert Ben Te’o missed training on Monday.
The uncapped Leinster centre, 29, sat out the action with “muscle soreness”.
“It was on the advice of the medical department,” said England defence coach Paul Gustard. “He’s all good and has settled in really well.”
New Zealand-born Te’o is competing with Luther Burrell and Owen Farrell to make his debut at inside centre.