🔗 Share this article

Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to assist England secure an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead was unable to score a late penalty along with a drop-kick while his team fell short by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of strong showings, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the coach's trust by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered in the second half to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members on our squad, notably George," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are honored to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and our philosophy the optimal approach to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned on our own line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

Both kicks came within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals representing Sale during a Premiership match played in challenging weather against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford guided England excellently around the field all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and in finding space against the defensive line.

His trademark high spiral kick further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Having started England's win over Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to the younger Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his position.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, meet Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining in him.