🔗 Share this article

In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to help the home side close out a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, yet missed a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to help the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, notably George," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

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

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to have him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive three-pointers meant the hosts entered the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows 12-0, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the optimal approach to compete is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into contention and we understood should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances superiorly."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and appropriately since three points are crucial throughout the match of competition."

Ford marshalled his team superbly across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space against the defensive line.

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

After beginning England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that there is plenty of play remaining for him.