Ford scored all 27 points when 14-man England beat Argentina in the pool stages of the 2023 Rugby World Cup First Test: Argentina v England Date:Saturday 5 JulyKick-off:20:40 BSTVenue:Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi, La Plata Coverage:Live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app George Ford will become the seventh man to make 100 Test appearances for England when he starts at fly-half in the first Test against Argentina on Saturday. Ford, 32, made his England debut against Wales in the 2014 Six Nations and was a key part of the side that reached the Rugby World Cup final in 2019. Centre Seb Atkinson and wing Will Muir both win their first England caps, with uncapped Bath back row Guy Pepper on the bench. Ford shares the captaincy with hooker Jamie George, with Northampton's Alex Coles partnering Charlie Ewels in the second row and flanker Sam Underhill making his Test comeback after missing the Six Nations with an ankle injury. Ben Spencer is preferred to Jack van Poortvliet at scrum-half, while full-back Freddie Steward comes in for his first England appearance since February. With 13 first-choice players missing on Lions duty, there is an inexperienced look to England's team - nine of the starting XV have fewer than 15 caps. "It is not something you think about at the start of your career," Ford told BBC Sport of his milestone. "You dream of playing for England, and when you get to do it once it is an unbelievably special moment - to achieve that was the proudest memory of my career. "Then I suppose you get your head down to work as hard as you can and improve so you might gather a few caps together - that is all I have tried to do really, take each year and campaign as it comes, try to improve, develop and do the right thing for the team. "I have the opportunity to hit quite a big milestone and it is something I will be very proud of." Scrum-half Ben Youngs, who retired from international rugby at the end of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, won 127 caps for his country, the most of any man. Dan Cole, Jason Leonard, Owen Farrell, Courtney Lawes and Danny Care have also passed the 100-Test mark for England. Sarah Hunter retired in March 2023 having won 141 caps for England's women's team. "George has been a standout player for over a decade," said head coach Steve Borthwick. "Reaching 100 caps is a remarkable achievement, and it speaks volumes about both the professional and the person he is. "Everyone in the squad is incredibly proud to share this moment with him." Borthwick has saidthat Argentina will be favouritesacross the two-Test series after the Pumas' victory over the British and Irish Lions in Dublin last month continued their fine run of form. Argentina are ranked fifth in the world, one place above England. The second meeting between the two teams takes place in San Juan on 12 July. England:Steward; Roebuck, Slade, S Atkinson, Muir; Ford, Spencer; Baxter, George, Heyes, Ewels, Coles, B Curry, Underhill, Willis. Replacements:Dan, Rodd, Opoku-Fordjour, Cunningham-South, Pepper, Dombrandt, Van Poortvliet, Murley
Ford to make 100th England appearance in Argentina opener
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"George Ford Set to Make 100th Test Appearance for England Against Argentina"
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George Ford is set to achieve a significant milestone in his rugby career as he prepares to make his 100th Test appearance for England in the first Test against Argentina. The match, scheduled for Saturday, July 5th, at the Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi in La Plata, will see Ford starting at fly-half, joining an elite group of players who have reached this landmark. The 32-year-old made his international debut in 2014 during the Six Nations against Wales and has since been a pivotal figure in the England squad, contributing to their journey to the Rugby World Cup final in 2019. In this upcoming match, Ford will co-captain the team alongside hooker Jamie George, while other notable selections include newcomers Seb Atkinson and Will Muir, who will both earn their first caps. The lineup reflects a mix of experience and youth, with nine players in the starting XV having fewer than 15 caps due to the absence of 13 first-choice athletes on Lions duty.
Reflecting on this milestone, Ford expressed his pride and gratitude for the opportunity to represent England, emphasizing that his journey has always been about continuous improvement and dedication to the team. Head coach Steve Borthwick praised Ford's outstanding contributions over the past decade, underscoring the significance of reaching 100 caps. As England prepares to face Argentina, who recently defeated the British and Irish Lions and are currently ranked fifth in the world, the team acknowledges the challenge ahead. The second Test is scheduled for July 12 in San Juan, further adding to the competitive nature of this two-Test series. With a blend of seasoned players and newcomers, England aims to make a strong impression in this pivotal matchup, with Ford's milestone serving as a focal point for the squad's motivation and camaraderie.
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