George Ford on Itoje absence and what 'excitable' England new boy is bringing

George Ford insists England have the resources to fill the leadership void that would be created if Maro Itoje is rested for next month’s summer tour.

Ford leads a scratch team into Friday’s non-cap international against a France XV in Vannes, which provides the curtain raiser to the July Tests against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.

Itoje has been stood down for the match and could see his break from the game extended until next season following a hectic 12 months that included leading the British and Irish Lions to victory over Australia.

Ford insists England would be able to cope with the loss of their second row talisman as they build towards their Nations Championship opener against back-to-back world champions South Africa in Johannesburg on July 4.

The Sale fly-half said: “Even though Maro is our captain, leadership is always a group effort.

Fixture

Rugby Union Hybrid Friendlies

France XV

09:15

19 Jun 26

England A

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“Myself, Jamie George, Ollie Chessum has been stepping up brilliantly, Ben Earl – it’s never just one guy, it’s never just on Maro as the guy at the top.

“A great leadership team shares responsibility, help each other out and bring their different strengths and weaknesses to the party.”

South Africa-born Benhard Janse van Rensburg is set to make his England debut as a replacement at Stade de la Rabine after being named on the bench as support for starting centres Seb Atkinson and Max Ojomoh.

Since his first appearance in an England camp last month, Ford has been impressed by a player who is able to be picked ahead of his official qualification date on residency grounds of July 8 because Friday’s showdown is not a Test.

Ford said: “Benhard is like an excitable kid. He loves training, loves being around the lads and he’s got so much energy in training and around the place as well. He’s been a great addition.

“His ball playing is really good. He takes it to the very, very end of just getting hit and he’s got the ability to ball play as well.

“That then makes his carry more effective because you don’t know whether he’s going to play or not.”