🔗 Share this article

Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon from the bench to support the hosts complete an historic victory against New Zealand, however was unable to score a late penalty and drop-goal as his side fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for England.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player fully validated the coach's trust by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help the hosts to their initial victory against the All Blacks in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

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

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, notably George," the manager commented. "In that moment when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even better person. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly during the match, racing into a substantial early margin through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we must maintain to our guns and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into contention and we knew should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations superiorly."

Each effort came within a two-minute span as Ford who executed three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks with Sale during a Premiership match played in challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and rightly so since three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory over Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to Fin Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The national side, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to discover if the manager opts to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved two years away from a World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead in him.