🔗 Share this article

During November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help the hosts secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead missed a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England were beaten by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to get another shot at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence in starting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to help the home team to a first win against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "In that moment as he scored those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The tough part in those moments comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized if we started the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who manages best with those moments the best."

The two attempts happened within a two-minute span while the number 10 who nailed three crucial kicks in a win against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game played in difficult conditions at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently advising me, and rightly so because three points prove important at any stage of the game."

Ford guided England excellently around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His signature high spiral kick also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to Fin Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.