Exciting Bath backs Jonathan Joseph and George Ford have been labelled the key attacking sparks for England by legendary former star Mike Catt.
The 2003 World Cup winner is well positioned to judge, being employed as his nation’s attacking skills coach and spending 12 years of his celebrated career at Bath.
Joseph and Ford will join forces for a final time in the 2015 Six Nations when France arrive at Twickenham on Saturday with the aim of ruining Red Rose title celebrations.
Four tries in four matches identify Joseph as the most dangerous player in this year’s Championship while Ford, who also has 10 caps, strengthens his claim to the playmaking duties at the World Cup with each game.
The duo will spearhead England’s final assault on the title – Wales and Ireland could also be crowned champions once the three staggered kick-offs have been completed – and Catt views them as special talents.
“George and Jonathan have a massive understanding, as seen in George’s ability to hit Jonathan early,” Catt said.
“What you have to remember with Jonathan is that it’s not about his quick feet, it’s that he gets the game.
“He’s a very good communicator and the big thing I really like about him is that he’s got a very, very low error rate at international level.
“He and George both see the game and play what’s in front of them and make the right decisions based on what’s there. That’s what it’s all about.”
Joseph’s dancing feet have made him England’s most exciting player and the star of the Six Nations, placing him in pole position to start at outside centre when the World Cup opens against Fiji on September 18.
The 23-year-old admits the key moment in his developing career came in the 47-17 victory over Italy on February 14, when he followed up his score against Wales with a dazzling double salvo of tries.
“The start of this Six Nations was great for me. Winning at the Millennium was a great experience, but I was most pleased to back that up with a performance against Italy,” Joseph said.
“I didn’t want to have the Wales game and then not back it up. For me that was the defining moment and I’m just trying to keep on getting better.”
