🔗 Share this article

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

He was called upon as a substitute to help England close out a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal while his team fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, notably in the summer matches against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the manager's confidence in starting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are fortunate to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly in the stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our guns and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into it and we understood should we begin the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments the best."

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other as Ford who executed three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals for Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently advising me, and rightly so as three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly throughout the match all game, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in England's win over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to Fin Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining from a World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead within him.