🔗 Share this article

Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support the hosts close out a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick as England fell short by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The veteran player did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Last year In my view George came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are fortunate to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing in those moments comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the superior method to perform is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into the game and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

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

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale in a Prem game conducted in tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he is always reminding me, and appropriately because three points prove important during any phase of play."

Ford directed his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature tactical bomb also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left for him.