🔗 Share this article

In November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to help the hosts complete a famous win facing the Kiwis, however missed a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to achieve success to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of impressive performances, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The veteran player did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist England to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "In that moment as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I thought George came on and played exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows 12-0, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the optimal approach to compete is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves near our try line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

Each effort happened within close succession while the number 10 who nailed three drop-goals in a win versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

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

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled England excellently around the field all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space against the defensive line.

His signature high spiral kick also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the fly-half position to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining for him.