🔗 Share this article

Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help England secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick while his team were beaten by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support England to a first win over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

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

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to support England to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I thought George entered and performed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who can deal with those moments the best."

Each effort occurred within close succession as the fly-half who executed three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals for Sale in a Prem game conducted in tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always advising me, and rightly so since three points prove important during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his position.

The national side, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away before the World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.