🔗 Share this article

During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist the home side complete a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal as England fell short in a close contest.

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

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of strong showings, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members on our squad, notably George," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier I thought George substituted and competed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers ensured England returned to the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The tough part in those moments occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our philosophy the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we knew if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who manages best in those circumstances superiorly."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who nailed three drop-goals in a successful match facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he is always reminding me, and correctly so because three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space against the defensive line.

His signature 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Having started the English victory over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test theoretically this season occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The national side, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left within him.