🔗 Share this article

In November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to assist the hosts close out a famous win against New Zealand, however failed to convert a late penalty along with a drop-kick as England lost by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity at delivering glory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old fully validated the coach's trust by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks at home since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered during the final period to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford entered and performed really well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks started quickly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks ensured England entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing in those moments is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood should we begin the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations the best."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he is always advising me, and correctly so since three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature tactical bomb further confused the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to determine if the manager opts for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that ample opportunity of rugby left in him.