🔗 Share this article

During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to support the home side close out a famous win facing the Kiwis, however missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side fell short by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the coach's trust by selecting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to a first win over New Zealand at home since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

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

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The challenging thing at those times 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 perform is," Ford explained.

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

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

The two attempts happened within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

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

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and rightly so as three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided England excellently throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His trademark high spiral kick further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Having started the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his position.

The English team, now on a run of 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.