🔗 Share this article

During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon from the bench to help the hosts close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot at delivering glory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of strong showings, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the hosts to a first win against the All Blacks on home soil since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George came on and played very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks ensured England returned to the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who nailed three drop-goals in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, showed all his international experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks with Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points prove important at any stage of the game."

Ford marshalled his team superbly across the pitch the complete contest, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his starting role.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that there is plenty of career ahead for him.