🔗 Share this article

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

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help the hosts complete a famous win facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal while his team lost in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to achieve success for England.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, especially during the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, surging to a substantial early margin through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England bounced into the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the optimal approach to compete is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood if we started the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we were in a good position.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up on our own line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks came within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader since he continually advising me, and correctly so because three points is valuable during any phase of play."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

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

Following his start in the English victory against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month and curiosity remains to discover if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.