🔗 Share this article

In November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to assist the hosts complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side lost by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to bring victory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of impressive performances, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered during the final period to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "In that moment as he scored those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly during the match, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive three-pointers resulted in the home side entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our strategy and our philosophy the optimal approach to perform is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

Both kicks happened within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks with Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points are crucial at any stage of play."

Ford guided England excellently throughout the match the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty occurred versus the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established with two years remaining from a World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead within him.