🔗 Share this article

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

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to assist the hosts close out an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick while his team fell short in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple impressive performances, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks at home since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those crucial kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford came on and played really well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are honored to have him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into it and we understood should we begin the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up near our try line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks in a win against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances at Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he consistently advising me, and correctly so as three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford guided his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the national team's triumph against Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to the younger Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty occurred versus the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left for him.