🔗 Share this article

During November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened during the match.

He was called upon from the bench to assist England secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal as England were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of strong showings, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old fully validated the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled during the final period to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead with tries by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side returned to the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

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

Both kicks occurred within close succession as the fly-half who executed three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks with Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances at Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

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

"Steve is such an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford marshalled England excellently around the field all game, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Having started the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of rugby left for him.