🔗 Share this article

Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened during the match.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist the hosts close out an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help the hosts to a first win over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "That period where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George came on and played very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to have him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks commenced strongly during the match, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our guns and our convictions the superior method to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly throughout the match all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji a week later.

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

The national side, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left for him.