🔗 Share this article

Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to assist the home side complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England were beaten by a narrow margin.

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

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George entered and performed very effectively [against New Zealand].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

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

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts returned to the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we can stick to our strategy and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into contention and we recognized should we begin the second half well, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who can deal in those circumstances superiorly."

Each effort happened within close succession while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances 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 a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and correctly so as three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly around the field all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his spot.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.