🔗 Share this article

During November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to support the home side secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a crucial penalty and drop-goal as England fell short by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment when he converted those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even better person. We are fortunate to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into it and we understood if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances the best."

The two attempts happened within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers for Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently advising me, and correctly so because three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature high spiral kick further confused the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

England, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that there is plenty of career ahead for him.