🔗 Share this article

In November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support the hosts complete a famous win facing the Kiwis, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, especially during the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The veteran player did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to assist the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players in our team, notably George," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Last year In my view George entered and performed really well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly in the stadium, surging to a substantial early margin through scores from two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the superior method to perform is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into it and we understood should we begin the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in a good position.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges there as well.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal during those situations superiorly."

Both kicks came within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three drop-kicks during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager since he continually reminding me, and appropriately since three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and in finding space against the defensive line.

His signature high spiral kick further confused Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his position.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left for him.