🔗 Share this article

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

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support the home side complete an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to achieve success for England.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support the hosts to their initial victory against the All Blacks on home soil since 2012.

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

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled during the final period to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Last year In my view George entered and performed very effectively [against New Zealand].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks started quickly in the stadium, surging to a 12-point lead with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into it and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line following a card, so we had challenges there as well.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who can deal in those circumstances most effectively."

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining in him.