🔗 Share this article

In November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support the hosts complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a late penalty along with a drop-kick while his team lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to achieve success for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to a first win over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members within our side, notably George," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"One year earlier I thought George came on and played very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are privileged to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England returned to the halftime break with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and our philosophy the superior method to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood should we begin the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

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

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments most effectively."

Each effort came within close succession while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals in a win facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

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

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently advising me, and rightly so because three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford marshalled England excellently around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead for him.