🔗 Share this article

Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help the hosts close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as his side fell short in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to bring victory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of impressive performances, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to a first win over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I thought George came on and played really well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

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

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks commenced strongly during the match, surging to a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into it and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned defending our goal line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - which team can handle during those situations the best."

The two attempts came within a two-minute span as the fly-half who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he consistently advising me, and rightly so as three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining in him.