🔗 Share this article

During November 2024, England fly-half George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to support England complete an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side lost in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, notably in the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

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

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

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are privileged to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly in the stadium, building a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we must maintain to our guns and what we believe the best way to compete is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts came within close succession while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so as three points is valuable throughout the match of play."

Ford marshalled England excellently around the field all game, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the national team's triumph over Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to his replacement against Fiji a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his spot.

The national side, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of career ahead for him.