🔗 Share this article

Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help the hosts secure an historic victory against New Zealand, yet failed to convert a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to bring victory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to a first win against the All Blacks on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled during the final period to help his side to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead via touchdowns by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the best way to compete is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into the game and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best in those circumstances superiorly."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always advising me, and appropriately because three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His characteristic tactical bomb also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the starting role to Fin Smith against Fiji the following week.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away from a World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining for him.