🔗 Share this article

In November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist England secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of strong showings, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were absent for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players within our side, notably George," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year I believed Ford came on and played really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are privileged to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks commenced strongly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks ensured England returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our plan and our philosophy the optimal approach to compete is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into it and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations the best."

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and correctly so since three points is valuable at any stage of the game."

Ford guided England excellently throughout the match the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the national team's triumph over Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith against Fiji the following week.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead within him.