🔗 Share this article

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

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support the hosts complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to help the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

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

"One kick struck the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are honored to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

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

"The difficult aspect in those moments occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the superior method to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into it and we understood should we begin the second half well, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

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

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest conducted in difficult conditions against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch the complete contest, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory over Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to Fin Smith against Fiji seven days later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.