Vancouver Courier - Wallaby boss Schmidt wary of Ford's 'triple threat'

Ford, renowned for his kicking game, has been selected ahead of rival No 10s Fin Smith, on the bench this weekend, and Marcus Smith, who was not included at all in the matchday 23.

Ford, a veteran of 102 Tests for England, will continue in the No 10 shirt he wore throughout the team's recent tour of Argentina and the United States.

Fin Smith, who was first choice during the Six Nations, missed that tour as he was involved in the British and Irish Lions' 2-1 series win in Australia.

Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith, known for his attacking flair, was also a member of the Lions squad.

But Australia coach Schmidt said Thursday after naming the Wallabies' team for this weekend's Autumn Nations series international that "Ford has one of the best passing games in world rugby.

"A lot of people focus on his kicking game but his passing game, he's got good acceleration (too). So he is a genuine triple threat."

The back-line selected by England coach Steve Borthwick appears primed for the high-ball contest that is now such a big part of modern rugby union, with Tommy Freeman, who also featured for the Lions, moved to midfield from the wing.

"Obviously, (full-back) Freddie Stewart is very good in the air and Tommy Freeman we've had a good close look at during the Lions tour," said Schmidt.

"So it does appear to us that there is a bit of a menacing aerial threat and I suppose the best we can do is to rehearse it during this week," added Schmidt.

He has made eight changes to the side that beat Japan 19-15 in Tokyo last weekend, with backs Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Max Jorgensen among those recalled to the starting 15.

- 'Inspirational' Twickenham -

Saturday's match is set to Schmidt's last game in charge of Australia at Twickenham, with the 60-year-old New Zealander standing down as Wallaby boss in August 2026 for family reasons.

The former Leinster and Ireland coach has enjoyed plenty of success at Twickenham, including Australia's 42-37 comeback win last year sealed by Jorgensen's last-gasp try.

"Twickenham is an unbelievably inspirational ground," said Schmidt.

"I've been really privileged to have some great days at Twickenham. Heineken (European) Cup wins, final wins, Grand Slam wins in the game last year, for example.

"Those days, you can't buy those days. I'm only on the periphery, but it's a nice little peripheral vision that you have of players just stepping beyond what they thought was possible in some of those events.

"I love the stadium. I love the way the support is there. Even on the bus on the way in, the one thing I would say is that they're a real rugby crowd.

"I won't mention any stadium, but sometimes you turn up and there's booing and there's sign language and things. Twickenham's just not like that. It's a festival, almost, until you actually get on the field and then you're made to feel very uncomfortable."

Borthwick has repeatedly stressed how England have had just four training sessions in the build-up to Saturday's match, whereas Australia have been together since the Lions series started in July.

"We've had two sessions actually (since Japan) so at least he's had four," said Schmidt. "We've just come from Japan, we've made 13 changes I think cohesion-wise and I think also in terms of probably fatigue, we've done a lot of travel.

"I think we have 15 Test matches across 20 weeks in eight countries in 10 different time zones so you know I'd be happy to swap that for four trainings to be honest."

D.Ward--VC