🔗 Share this article

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

He was called upon from the bench to help the hosts close out a famous win against New Zealand, however missed a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as England fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection versus New Zealand, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to a first win versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "In that moment when he converted those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"One year earlier I thought George entered and performed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are honored to feature him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers meant the hosts bounced into the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

Each effort came within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-kicks in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford marshalled England excellently around the field the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Having started the English victory over Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining in him.