🔗 Share this article

Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon from the bench to support the home side close out a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten in a close contest.

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

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of strong showings, especially during the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

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

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled in the second half to support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the senior players in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

"Last year I believed Ford came on and played really well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even better person. We are honored to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, surging to a 12-point lead with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we knew were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

Each effort came within a two-minute span while the number 10 who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so because three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining within him.