🔗 Share this article

During November 2024, England fly-half George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to help England secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a late penalty and drop-goal as his side lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of strong showings, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the home team to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George entered and performed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, surging to a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into contention and we understood should we begin the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who can deal in those circumstances the best."

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale in a Prem game conducted in tough circumstances at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader since he continually advising me, and rightly so because three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature tactical bomb also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to Fin Smith against Fiji seven days later.

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

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left within him.