🔗 Share this article

Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

He was called upon from the bench to support England complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as England lost by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old 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 England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members on our squad, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are honored to have him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks resulted in the home side entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The tough part in those moments is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we are able to adhere to our guns and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned on our own line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who manages best during those situations superiorly."

Each effort came within close succession as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals for Sale in a Prem game conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always advising me, and correctly so because three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning England's win against Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his spot.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to discover if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left in him.