🔗 Share this article

Back in November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help the hosts secure an historic victory against New Zealand, yet failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to achieve success for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, especially during the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford entered and performed really well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, building a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part in those moments is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into it and we knew should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned near our try line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who manages best in those circumstances superiorly."

Each effort came within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals for Sale in a Prem game conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so as three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided England excellently around the field all game, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic tactical bomb also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

After beginning England's win versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The national side, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining in him.