🔗 Share this article

In November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist the home side complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal as England were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to achieve success to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old fully validated the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist the home team to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to help his side to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford entered and performed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are honored to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England entered the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments comes when the board shows 12-0, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the optimal approach to compete is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into contention and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who can deal during those situations superiorly."

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points are crucial throughout the match of play."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field the entire match, making smart decisions - both to compete and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His signature high spiral kick also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The national side, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining in him.