🔗 Share this article

During November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help the hosts close out a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as England were beaten by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of impressive performances, notably in the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand at home since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This assisted 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 after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George entered and performed very effectively [against New Zealand].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are privileged to have him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the best way to compete is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into it and we recognized should we begin the second half well, as reserves joined, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned near our try line following a card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who can deal in those circumstances superiorly."

Both kicks came within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader since he continually advising me, and appropriately as three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled England excellently around the field all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory over Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to Fin Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The English team, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to determine if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.