🔗 Share this article

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

Ford had been summoned from the bench to support the home side secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead missed a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of strong showings, especially during the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players on our squad, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are fortunate to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows 12-0, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into contention and we knew were we to commence the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances at Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he consistently advising me, and correctly so as three points is valuable during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature tactical bomb additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining within him.