🔗 Share this article

During November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to assist the home side complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, notably in the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to a first win versus the Kiwis at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George entered and performed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks started quickly during the match, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into contention and we understood if we started the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned defending our goal line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal in those circumstances the best."

Both kicks came within close succession as Ford who executed three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers representing Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he is always reminding me, and appropriately since three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly around the field the entire match, making smart decisions - both to compete and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' further confused the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his starting role.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining in him.