🔗 Share this article

Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help the hosts complete a famous win against New Zealand, but instead missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick while his team were beaten by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, notably George," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George came on and played really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

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

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England entered the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into it and we recognized should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we would be in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - which team can handle with those moments most effectively."

Both kicks came within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points are crucial during any phase of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly throughout the match the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

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

Having started the English victory versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to the younger Smith against Fiji a week later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty was presented by the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his position.

England, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining in him.