🔗 Share this article

Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon off the sidelines to support England complete a famous win against New Zealand, however failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal as England were beaten by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to bring victory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to help England to a first win against the All Blacks on home soil since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "In that moment where he hit those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"One year earlier I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are privileged to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England entered the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing in those moments comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

The two attempts happened within close succession while the number 10 who executed three drop-kicks during a victory versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers representing Sale in a Prem game played in difficult conditions against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points is valuable during any phase of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty was presented by the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to determine if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of career ahead for him.