🔗 Share this article

During November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help England complete a famous win facing the Kiwis, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal as England were beaten by two points.

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

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the home team to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players on our squad, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even better person. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the superior method to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into it and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

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

Both kicks happened within a two-minute span while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always advising me, and rightly so since three points are crucial during any phase of competition."

Ford guided England excellently around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark high spiral kick additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to Fin Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The national side, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead within him.