🔗 Share this article

During November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to help the home side close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however was unable to score a late penalty along with a drop-kick while his team fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, notably in the summer tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were away on British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence in starting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to their initial victory over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier In my view George entered and performed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly in the stadium, building a substantial early margin through scores from two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect in those moments occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we would be in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who manages best in those circumstances superiorly."

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points prove important at any stage of play."

Ford guided his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His characteristic tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started England's win against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty came against the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining in him.