🔗 Share this article

During November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon off the sidelines to help the hosts close out an historic victory against New Zealand, yet missed a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of strong showings, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-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 help the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment as he scored those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George came on and played very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are fortunate to feature him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals in a win facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather versus 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 outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and appropriately as three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford directed his side brilliantly around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his position.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, meet Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to determine if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining within him.