🔗 Share this article

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

The replacement was brought on from the bench to help the hosts secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, yet failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal as England fell short in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to their initial victory against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled during the final period to support England to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players in our team, especially George," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Last year I thought George entered and performed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly in the stadium, racing into a substantial early margin with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

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

"The tough part in those moments is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and our philosophy the optimal approach to perform is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into contention and we knew were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span as the fly-half who executed three crucial kicks in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always reminding me, and correctly so as three points prove important during any phase of the game."

Ford directed his team superbly around the field the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the English victory versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji a week later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his spot.

The national side, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved two years away before the World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left in him.