Leicester boss Steve Borthwick hailed George Ford’s influence on another dominant Gallagher Premiership display after the Tigers demolished Worcester 48-3 at Sixways.

The league leaders’ fifth straight win this season put them seven points ahead of the second-placed Harlequins.

It also confirmed their best start for a Premiership campaign since the competition started 24 years ago.

The Leicester Ford opening half, who won 77 caps, has been left out of England head coach Eddie Jones’ recent training squad.

But he maintained impressive form before Jones named his playgroup on Monday for the Fall Nations Series which includes dates in Twickenham with Tonga, Australia and South Africa.

“George did everything well today,” Leicester head coach Borthwick said. “He pulled the strings and was very, very good.

“Whether he was in the England squad is not my choice, but he looked very lively.

“I want to help my players give their best and help their aspirations. “

The Tigers were home and dry at the break after winger Harry Potter, center Matias Moroni and hooker Julian Montoya tried out, leaving Worcester in shock.

Former England scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth scored a try with a bonus point midway through the second period, before hooker Nic Dolly won his fifth try of the season as Leicester ensured no release during the final minutes, then winger Nemani Nadolo took over, replacing Freddie Burns crossed and Burns added two conversions.

Ford finished with nine points from three conversions and one penalty, and Borthwick added: “We still have things to improve and correct.

“We have Sale next, and they looked really good against the Harlequins on Friday, so it will be a big challenge.

“I try to keep it simple in my mind. I’m taking lessons from this game, and from the final whistle, I’m watching Sale next week.

“I told the players to take advantage of this win, they worked really hard, are recovering well tomorrow and then think about Sale.”

Worcester, beaten 42-5 by Exeter last weekend, was once again at the end of a major beating as they collapsed on a fourth Premiership rebound loss.

Opening half Billy Searle contributed his only points thanks to a first-half penalty, and Leicester broke away in the second half, scoring four tries in the final 22 minutes.

And life isn’t about to get any easier for Worcester, with their next two games away against Northampton and at home against Sale.

Warriors head coach Jonathan Thomas said: “It’s very difficult, it’s a bitter pill to swallow and losing that way is really disappointing.

“It was probably the most complete team performance I have seen in the Premiership in a long time. They steamrolled us, and physically they dominated.

“Your emotions are probably those of embarrassment and disappointment, but we know we’re not a bad team and we need to work hard to fix it.

“They’re at the top of this league for a reason.”